
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright No. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




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rpOEMS 
ILLUSTfRATEfD. 



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(COPYEIGHTED.) 

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1895, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress 

at WashingtonyD. C. by 

HELEN F. TROY. 



SYRACUSE, N. Y/ 
J. J. HiLLSBERG, Printer. 

1897. 



GOJvTTMJ^TS. 



PAGE 

The Prophesis of Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah - - 9 

Sidella -_.___ 22 

The Dreamers - - - - - - 49 

Mac Gray ------ 54 

Stella 65 

Seaman Ben - - _ , - gO 

Judath The Prophetess - - - - 84 

Canadian Jim - - - - - 89 

Spirit ...-..- 95 

Olivia - - - . _ 98 

The Hour the Shadows Gather - - - 118 

I Love Him and I Hate Him _ _ - 119 

The Striving, Restless Mind of Man - - 120 

Some Day - - - - - 121 

Saturday Night - - - - - 122 

The Midnight Hour - - - - . 123 

The Daughter of the Rajah - - - 124 

Sleigh-Bells 125 

On Pila's Peak 126 

Hovv^ Strange _ . - . - 127 

Will Summer Sun Shine Bright Again - - 128 

O, Ever Spreading Blessed Light - - 129 

Progression - - - - 130 

The Poppy - - - - 132 

Song - - - - - 133 

Individuality - - - - 134 

Socrates - - _ . - 136 

Je Vous Aime - - - - 137 

To Frederick Douglass - - - 138 

Life - - - _ - 139 



CONTENTS. 



April - . _ . . 137 

Why is the Soul oftimes so Sad - - - 140 

The Drizzling, Dripping Rain - - 141 

I Ijong to Hear the Organ Peal - - - 142 

All Alone - - - - 143 

Magdalene - . . . 144 

He who says there is no God - - 145 

Independence - - - 146, 163 

Alone ... - . 147 

Summer's Lovely Season - - 148 

Tired Spirit ... - 149 

The Concert Hall Singer - - - 150 

Trials - - - - 152 

Rest of Song - - - - 153 

Why Does Your Face Haunt Me So - 154 

Cried The Crow - - - - 155 

An Empty Nest - - - 156 
Silence .... 157 

Scorn - - - - - 158 

The Music of the Spheres - - - 159 

When the Dead Leaves Fall - - 160 

At Last - - - - - 161 

Rights of Man - - - 162 

Autumn - - - - - 164 

Alone - - - - 165 

Dear Old Home - ... 165 

Dead Leaves - - - 166 

The Church Bells in the Valley - - 167 

Tired Soul - - - - " - 168 

My Soul Thou Art ... - 169 

Nothing Between Us Now Dear But Regret - 170 

Why ! When the Moon's Rays Shine - - 171 

The Wounded Heart - - - 172 

The Falseness of Form - - - 173 

A Wild Rose on a "La France" - - 174 

The Broken Down Race - - - 175 



CONTENTS. 



Learn to be Peaceful - - - 176 

When Love was Mine - - - 177 

In Youth - - - - 177 

Where Do I Wish to go When I Shall Die - 178 

The Sacred Cave - - - 179 

To Alexandre Dumas - - - 192 

Helos and Lillian _ . _ 197 

An Indian Legend - . . 205 

Madame Lascaire - _ . 218 

Prayer to Knowledge - - - 241 

The Story of Nourhalia - - 242 



Some new rhyme and reasons 

Why we should live 
And give the world in seasons 

The best we have to give. 

HELEN F. TKOY. 



July 18, 1895. 




And His look was sad and sweet 

Threw His Robe back— and this done 

Scars were on His Hands and Feet 
And He said "I Am The One." 



THE PROPHESIES OF 
DEY- GAR - NAH - WE' - DAH 



Chief of many — many nations 

Dey-gar-nah-v/e-dah — brave and wise 

Brought his people peace relations 
From the very distant skies. 

Tjld them how he turned to eagle — 

Soaring o'er the land and sea 
Looked he now so proud and regal 

As he spoke his prophesy. 

In the council — spake the red man 

I have much to tell you here 
List' my people to this plan — 

Which will save you from all fear. 

I have come back from the mountain § 

And my nest among the trees 
Where the ocean's flowing fountain 

Gently meets the summer's breeze. 

Fish and birds — and living beast' 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah brought in pairs 

Gathered round from west to east 
As if relieved of burden'd cares. 

*Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah interpreted means Eagle. 
§ Catskill. 

For the story contained in the above poem the author 
is indebted to the kindness of Isaac Thomas, M. D. a Mo- 
hawk Indian, whose book "Religious Revelations" of the 
Indian Nations is about to be published. 



10 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAIl. 



Forty days— ana forty nights 
\Vill the mighty waters flow 

Covering all the mountain heights 
Spoke Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah slow. 

Come my jjeople — heed the warning — 

To the valley — lying low 
Long before the hoars of morning 

Will the mighty waters flow. 

Some they were who quickly fled 

To the very highest hill 
Others there — who proudly led 

Back again with scorning will. 

Some there were — with doubting smile 

At his story — as of yore 
Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah loved to wile 

Idle fancies — nothing more. 

Scattered they — but few remained 

To heed the word the prophet spake 

Two of every tribe — contained 

To listen — for his own dear sake. 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah led them all 
To the depths — the lowest vale * 

The towering hills appeared a wall 
Which made his followers bewail. 

All wiio go upon the hills 

Are the words the prophet said 

Go to die. ^ Ha-wah-ne'-u wills 
To save the people not afraid. 



* Hudson 

§ Ha-wah-ne'-u Great spirit. 



THE rKOPIIESlES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 11 



One mile square — the prophet measured 
When the low land had been reached 

Many years the red man treasured 

The tale Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah preached. 

Closely gathered in this square 

Heads bow'd down with shivering fear 
Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah standing there 

And his face is shining clear. 

Toward the sky — he turnes.his eyes 
Sweeping like the eagles glance 

Dark clouds cover now the skies 

Darkness that came not by chance. 

In torrents fell the heavy rain 

Black night reigned upon the earth 

Millions now had felt the pain 

And obedience had found birth. 

The waters formad four tow'ering walls 
About the carefully measured space 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah softly calls 
Ha-wah-ne'-u to guard his race. 

For forty days and forty nights 

Did the mighty waters fall 
Covering all the mountain heights 

Drowning beasts and people — all. 

Two of every tribe were spared 

Two of every bird and fish 
In pairs all kind of beast were cared 

Such was Ha-wah-ne'-u's wish. 

With kindly word and loving cheer 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah watched his flock 

Through the days so dark and drear 

His council'd words they will not mock. 



12 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 

When hunger came — the watei yields 
Fish with which they are sustained 

The prophet o'er his people wields 

A trusting spirit truthfully gained. 

And no\^he heavy rains subside 

The towering water walls recede 
The people gratefully confide 

Their prophet's wish and humbly heed. 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah told the crow 

Who till this time had been pure white 

Out to you mountain shall you go 
And tell me all within your sight. 

Willingly the bird obeyed 

And brought the prophet this sad tale 
The reason he had been delayed 

The dead were strewn throughout the vale. 

And on the mountains — and in the trees 
Tiie dead all mangled lying— where 

The heavy wind and lightest breeze 
Revealed the desolation th^ire. 

And as a proof of all he said 

And as a proof that he did seek 
And brought back word that all were dead 

Were human eyes upon his beak. 

The prophet spake— Curst' shall you be 
For having done this woeful thing 

On carrion live — and have no glee 
Black and poor and never sing. 

Two pigeons next — the prophet sent 

Out to the mountains and return 
Through the desolate scenes they went 

And wept at the misery which tuey learn. 



THE PROrPIESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 18 



With eyo3 red from constant weeping 
They tell the prophet — sad indeed 

Is the scene — the people sleeping 
All in Death — bayond there need. 

You are gentle and feel sorrow 

Blessed shall you ever be 
All is well — and on to-morrow 

From the waters we are free. 

The people murmured and complaining 
Cried aloud for corn and grain 

All about the dead remaining 

Beast and man — the heaps contain. 

Not one spear of grass in view 

Not a twig or vine exposed 
One vast plain of dry earth grew 

Far as human eye disclosed. 

Some dry bark which floated near 
The people ate for want of corn 

Only the prophet spoke with cheer 

And thus their sufferings were bori^. 

Hear ! my people — and believe me 
Is Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's cry 

Wait for three days faithfully 

Food will come — you will not die. 

Ha-wah-ne-u ! — He will hear 

And will help us — if we wait 
He will keep us from all fear 

Are the prophets words of fate. 

After calming their wild fear 

The prophet said — now watch the m:Ooii 
When the the light is full and clear 

A lady there will feed us soon. 



14 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 



On her back a basket laden 

Filled with fruit — and corn and grain 
Let your weary hearts not sadden 

Lest your sacrifice should stain. 

Said the prophet tis a sign 

O my people — which will last 

When the round full moon shall shine- 
To the end her smile will cast. 

Three long days— and three long nights 
Did the weary watchers tend 

And the moon shed brilliant lights 
And the lady did descend. 

In her basket fruits and grains 

In her hands — were corn and bread 

Gave to all — nor looked for gains 
And the dying ones v/ere fed. 

Gave them seeds of every kind 

Said she — plant them far and wide 

And the sunlight and the wind 
Made abundant harvest tide. 

Trees and vines and grapes now grew 
Where the arid waste had epred 

Waving ferns and berries blue 
O'er the land of buried dead. 

On hills and dales and creeping moss 
Covered o'er with brown and green 

The breeze among the branches toss 
Open buds in moonlight sheen. 

Through this land the people roam 

By the rivers— by the sea- 
Building wigwams for there home 
Happy— prosperous and free. 



THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 16 



List'ning to there prophets teacliing 
Loving well his soothing voice 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah ever preaching 
Trust Ha-wah-ne'-u from choice. 

Pass'd the years — and with them bringing 
Strife among the nation's vast 

Hate and envy loudly ringing 

In there breasts — peace could not last. 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah watched the nations 
From his nest — high in the tree 

Raging war in many stations 

Amongst the people— once so free. 

Then again the prophet came 

Drew them near and council held 

Cautioned them 'gainst angers flame 
And their vicious spirits quell'd. 

And they list'ned very nriild 

As their fathers prophet spake 

For his coming as a child 

They had watched— long wood and lake. 

Now they listened — hushed and still 

As the prophet told his tale 
And the mountains andthe rill 

Told the story to the vale. 

As I wandered o'er the sea 

Half way 'tween the earth and sky 
And a stranger walked to me 

One with friendship in his eye. 

And he spoke a friendly greeting 
And his face was pale and sad 

And the story of this meeting 
Will make the nations glad. 



16: THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 



Said the Stranger "Walk with me" 

And a garden I will show 
And the summer and the sea 

Made sweet music — soft and low. 

All about was summer land 

In that garden spot so fair 
And the snow top'd mountains grand 

Oool'd and soothed the balmy air. 

Grain and fruits were all around 
Flowers of every shape and hue 

Quickly springing from the ground 
In abundant groves they grew. 

In the woods there roved the deer 
In the air the wild birds flew 

In the wide streams running cleaf 
Every kind of fish for you. 

'Tis forever summer there — 

Said the Stranger — soft and slow 

Teach your people 'tis their share 
If they work for it below. 

To that land of summer light 

Where the fish and deer abounds 

We will go — if we do right 

To the Happy Hunting Grounds. 

Come and I will lead you down 
We vvrill go by yondei spring 

Wrap't round him a Flowing Robe 
In His voice a loving ring. 

There beside two maple trees 

Was the spring so clear and bright 

Through the branches green — the leaves 
Waving in the calm sunlight. 



THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DA \L 17 



"Drink from this" the Stranger said 
A small bottle forth He drew 

From His mantle so arrayed 

As to hide Him from my view. 

And He fill'd it from the spring 
And I drank the water clear 

And the birds began to sing 

In the maples — standing near. 

And to my great surprise 

Half the water still remained 

And the sunlight in the skies 

Knew the symbol it contained. 

Such is my great love for you 
Said the Stranger— very kind 

If you will be brave and true 
Love abundant will you find. 

As I looked at Him to task 

There was sorrow in His face 

And the question I w^ould ask 

In my mind He seem'd to trace. 

And His look was sad and sweet 

Threw His robe back — and this done 

Scars were on His hands and feet 
And he said "I am thee One." 

Who on earth to bring good tide 

Came to save those who were lost 

And a mark was in His side 

Showing where He had been cross'd 

Then He led mo to a place 

Thousands there were streaming by 
Two small pathways I could trace 

One led down and one on high. 



18 THE F-ROPHESIES OF DE Y-GAE-NAH-WE'-DAH. 



And. hanging on a, tree 

In full sight— a wounded breast 
'Twas a sign that I should see 

Those in doubt — who cannot rest. 

And as each one pass'd it by 

All his sms came to his mind 
And the path wnich leads on high 

All the good together find. 

Then He lead me very far 

Down where all was dark and drear 
And the heavy thunders jar 

Smote my failing heart v.ith fear. 

There a pit so dark and vast 

■That the earth seem'd open wide 
Thousands there each moment cast 
Wailing— Moaning— side by side. 

And the sun now split in two 

Fire and smoke fell from on high 

Boiling flame upon them threw 
Help us— Help us — is there cry. 

'Tis the end— the stranger said 
Pointing up—there is the sign 

As I raised my eyes o'er head 
All I he sky began to shine. 

There the sign that once again 
I will come the Stranger said 

And forgive the sin and pain 

And will come to raise the dead. 

I will come on Easter morn * 

When the sun begins to shine. 

From the Father— was I born 

His thoughts are these words of mine. 

* Dey-yen-ho-sar-yen'-ha Easter morning. 



THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 19 



As he pointed now on high 

In a rainbow large and bright 

Stood the Stranger in the sky 

And his Face was Shining— White. 

Yet beside me there lie stood 

And his Face was sad and meek 

Believe in this and do the good 

Are the words I heard Him speak. 

Then I never saw Him more 

O my people this is true 
Yonder by the shining shore 

Is the garden there for you. 

And you .must not fight or kill 

And you must not steal or hate 

But let friendship and good will 

Keep your hearts and guide your fate. 

Cried the prophet "I have spoken 
You my people hear the tale 

Let your conduct be the token 

That your crimes you will bewail. 

Now I go back to the mountain 
And my nest among the trees 

Where the ocean's flowing fountain 
Gently meets the summers breeze. 

Many years pass swiftly by 

Ere the prophet came again. 

As the nations multiply 

Eich were they in corn and grain. 

Rich in lands whose flowing streams 
With all kind of fish are fiU'd 

On berries red the bright sun gleams 

The wild birds in the air song thrill'd. 



20 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 



Through the land is peace and cheer 
In the wigwams love abides 

O'er the rivers bright and clear 

Dance canoes on sparkling tides. 

And Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah came 

To his people once again 
And to-day his noble name 

From the nations does not wane. 

Across the mighty waters Blue 

* De-ho-not-ske-ne-no'-dah live 

They are coming here to you 

To them friendship we must give. 

With their face turned toward our land 
From a world far — far away 

And the leader of their band 

§ Gan-a-rah-du-ka's is on the way. 

They will drive the witch away 
We will keep them by our side 

They have knowledge — and will stay 
And the Great Spirit will guide. 

And we know that they did join 
Like descendants of one line 

For the eagle on our coin 

Is Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's sign. 

Cried the prophet "Be as brothers 
Work together in the field 

Hear my words — and let no others 
In your breasts a barrier yield. 



* De-ho-not-ske-ne-no'-dah — Pale Face. 
§ Gan-a-rah-du-ka — Columbus. 



THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 21 



I have done the prophet cried 
These last words I say to you 

I will come from yonder tide 
If a part of you are true. 

I will come again and speak 

You will hear and knnv^ my voice 

In the council you will seek 

Said the prophet *Tis my choice. 

I have spoken — you have heard 
And His voice was like a song 

I have said to you the word 
I go back where I belong. 

I go back upon the mountain 
And my nest among the trees 

Where the ocean's flowing fountain 
Gently meets the summers breeze. 

Chief of many— many nations 

Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah brave and wise 
Brought his people peace relations 

From the very distant skies. 

Now the years pass slowly by 
And the nations once so great 

For Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah cry 

And the prophet's word of fate. 

Of the nations once so great 
But a fragment now remain 

Sadly truthful to relate 

Scattered o'er the vast domain. 

And as the years pass slowly by 

All known nations watch a King 

Yet the council fires burn high 

And they watch the eagle's wing. 



22 SIDELLA. 



In the wigwams the're beseeching 
In the council house they wait 

For Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's teaching 
And the prophets word of fate. 

He will come again they say 
For he loved his people well 

They know not the hour or day 
That his prophesy will tell. 

And to-day they are beseeching 

And to-day they watch and wait 
For Dey-gar-nah we'-dah's teaching 
And the prophets' word of fate. 



January 30, 1897. 



SIDELLA. 



In a monastry cell bare and bleak, 
Father Crevot so pure and meek, 
Paced back and forth saying his beads, 
Thinking of the poor, their sufferings and needs. 

Outside of Barcelona's beautiful site, 
Where the air is tempered day and night, 
The convent lay on a sloping hill 
Beside a flowing water rill. 

Surround by lucious blooming flowers, 
Outside the sun shone many hours, 
Inside cold and clean and bare 
The heart of man could not thrive there. 




Intent and graf^ping for the truths 
Which hiy in all philosophic groves. 



SI DELL A. 23 



The monk Grevot was true and brave, 
Silent and deep as the very grave, 
Intent and grasping for the tiuths 
Which lay in all philosophic grooves. 

Young was he and proud and fair, 
His eyes were hazel and light brown hair 
Thin, severe and drawn his face. 
Penance and fast had left their trace. 

He had reached the peace of highest mind 
That can be obtained among mankind, 
Had delved to the end theology's law 
And now in his heart he felt one flaw. 

Unseen it crept into his soul, 
Unheard into his mind it stole, 
Back to his cell like a guilty thing 
But he could not lessen its clanging ring. 

He felt that it might possibly be 
The church was wrong — he bent a knee, 
It grew and grew and grew apace 
Until he was groveling on his face. 

Next day he fasted more and prayed 
And asked for the prayers of his comrade, 
Prayed in his cell so cold and bare, 
But the knawing thought was silent there. 

The peace he had felt, where had it flown 
Where the quiet he had known 
Tempest tossed he knew he felt 
And still he prayed and knelt and knelt. 

Grevot had been taught that Satan fills 
The mind of man with many ills 
Can not the mind of man control 
Man's inner thought and then extol. 



24 SIDELLA. 



His outer knowledge gleaned from minds 
Versed in religion of various kinds 
Wisdom's path has many ways 
Argued Grevot in his lonely days. 

The bud was burst no more closed round 
By the bark of ignorance harshly ground 
Once the thought unfettered flies 
Reaches beyond the very skies. 

But Grevot suffered in health and mind 
From out the fiesh he yet must grind 
Prayers and penitence, work and fast 
He thought it must forever last. ■ 

Silent he bends his head so proud 
Drawing his robe around him like a shroud 
Silent he fasts and prays and kneels, 
Silent he thinks and suffers and feels. 

Feels cut off from man's estate 
To live and love — and love and mate 
Feels crushed down and ill at ease 
No natural thought dare he appease. 

Back to his cell lowly and sad 

Unrelieving as yet in his heart half mad 

Thinking indeed that Satan had filled 

His soul with dark influence and all good stilled 

In his garden of flowers in the spring of the year 
Grevot was at work with nothing to fear 
But his haunting thoughts and maddening pjtln 
Brought about by indulging in them again. 

Culling and caring as a mother would 
Grevot was full of loving good 
They grew and thrived and blossomed sweet 
Thought the monk the human heart must greet. 



8IDELLA. 



The sunshine of life and its warmth and care 
With blossoms sweet as perfume rare 
But the rules of the order on him cast 
A gloom on his heart like a withering blast. 

Back again in repentance vain 
To stop the rifling maddening pain 
Of soaring into the world's bright hues 
Sadness it cast on all his views. 

Suffering thus in mute despair 
Into his cell he would repair 
Biinging his prayers and logic severe 
To help his doubting mind to clear. 

Doubting and fearing lest he should be 
Led aw ay from the hope of eternity 
Gaunt and hollow eyed and bent 
With beads in hand tovv^ards the sea he went. 

Passing through the monastery halls 
Away from the cold and dreary walls 
Into the sunlight warm and free 
Falling so bright on land and sea, 

Passed the monk along with downcast eyes 
Scarce daring to lift them to the skies 
Lest he should indeed be carried away 
With the joy of life and the sunlight day. 

His penance had been austere and hard 
Against further doubt he must forever guard 
Was the sentence the abbot on him imposed 
Can the mind from doubt be ever closed? 

Thought Grevot as he w^alked that sunny day 
Perchance the mystic ancients may 
Have fathomed the truth and devined it right 
He had heard 'twas such but deemed it light. 



26 SIDELLA. 



He felt as one groping thro' the dark 
Without one hope as a ray to mark, 
The line when man's mind must not gleam 
The knowledge then is in eternities' realm. 

Downcast and lonely, prayerful and deep 

Lord ! from me temptation keep — 

Is the prayer on the lips of the monk Grevot 
In the tempter's way, O ! lead me not. 

Signor ! came a voice like a zephyr's breeze 
Pardon ! as she stepped aside from the trees 

1 would ask the way would'st thou be so kind 
One monk, Alonzo, I must find. 

And seeing the Garb bespoke thy call 
Yet fearful lest I should make thee fall 
Away from thy duties by speech with me 
Point me the way to the monastry. 

Tho' would'st not be allowed admittance there 
Exclaimed the monk with the slightest stare. 
No woman yet was ere allowed 
No matter how much she were endowed. 

To enter the portal of yonder site 
Pointing his finger so thin and white 
Tho' canst leave thy message at the gate 
Antonio will deliver it whil'st tho' wait. 

She passed along the bright highway 
Her maid by her side searching the way 
Out from Barcelona's smothering heat 
Sidella so gentle — so proud and sweet. 

But Ah ! they had met two souls on this plain 
Never again would their lives be the same 
Attractions law overcomes all strength 
Let the universe attest by any length. 




mMkMt 



She passed along the bright liighway 
Her maid by her side — searching the way 
Out from Barcelona's smothering heat 
Sidella the gentle— so proud and sweet. 



8IDELLA. 27 



Grevot shrank back as she passed along 
He murmured his beado they sounded as sonpj 
I will not go back to the convent gate 
Until it is very — very late. 

I care not again to meet that face 

For the devil has left his very trace 

In the beauty of woman Grevot had been taught 

Away from his wiles is what he sought. 

Sidella with step firm and slow 

Like a queen of woman imperial altho' — 

Beauty was hers of royal kind 

The beauty of all was her wondrous mind. 

Which shone out thro' her eyes starlike 
As diamond rays in dark midnight 
Her oval face a rich cream tint 
Her dark brown hair with its golden glint. 

The damask rose had touched her cheek 
With its color deep and sweetness meek 
In stature tall and a queenly tread 
In bearing noble and a regal head. 

An Egyptian prince of the house of Thot 
Was Sidella's father and he had brought 
His daughter up in knowledge deep 
The ancient religion he must keep. 

In his household one and all 
Were deeply versed in nature's call 
The mind of man he claimed to be 
The emblem of eternity. 

The modern belief of the presiding day 
Was a branch of the tree that his fathers say 
Would spring and thrive and live for a time 
Only to die in its very prime. 



28 SIDELLA. 



While nature's laws v.'ould never die 
Unending they since times first cry 
The sun has shown since time again 
And so 'twill shine beyond the time of man. 

Religion's branches to the' prince's mind 
Were nothing more than a chance to grind 
And use the intellect of man 
'Twas ever so since the world began. 

And so Sidella had been taught 
That Grevot's faith w^as to her as naught 
Learned in the ancient mystic's lines 
Universal comprehension she defines. 

Her mother was of Spanish line 

Of ancestors who in their prime 

Were nobles of a high degree 

Had fought and died for their country. 

Warm and soft as her native clime . 
Life to her was a perfect rhyme 
Stately, noble, languishing, mild 
Sidella was their lovely child. 

Surround by all of lifes bright rays 
Sidella had passed her childhood days 
She had been taught that heaven was here 
Each day of her life made that belief clear. 

She knew nanght of sin or its misery 

She knew that life was a deep treasury 

She knew no repentance, no fasting nor prayers 

She knew no remorse, no heavy cares. 

No conventional form had around her wove 
Its net of restriction, for her life was a grove 
To wonder and study and keenly enjoy 
As a child would employ its very first toy. 



8IDELLA. 29 



Around her was thrown no religious law 
Her life had not been cold and raw 
But filled with sunshine, love and cheer 
She was taught to heaven she was very near. 

That in human heart, heaven lies 
As well as beyond the bright blue skies 
The Egyptian had taught his child to know 
In nature was heaven here below. 

Had taught her philosophical truths 
Had taught her that astronomy soothes 
The mind of man as he gropes along 
The pathway of life almost as song. 

In music and art she was deeply versed 
The lines of the vedics she rehearsed 
As well as Homer and Plato too 
The Upanishads she thoroughly knew. 

The course of the stars the Egyptian's eye 
Watched many a night with Sidella by 
Astrology's law was sacred and true 
He wished his beloved child taught through. 

The ancient mysteries of time 

While she was in her very prime 

So that when he pass away 

Sidella should know that one bright ray. 

Of knowledge which the initiates knew 
And passed along the line to few 
Followers in the mystic school 
Nature was their time and rule. 

Sidella was apt and quick and bright 
She thrived and grew in that sunlight 
Into beautiful womanhood 
Beauteous alike in mind and good. 



30 SIDELLA 



With a soul as pure as a white ray of light 
Like a flower in its sweetness and its- might 
We see her novr as she passes by 
Like a summer breeze — a summer sigh. 

Clad in the robeof richest brown- - 

Velvet deep and soft as down 

A fillet of gold bound her dark brown hair 

A jeweled girdle we see her wear. 

Her maid by her side, faithful Annette 
Sidella wandered until she met. . . 
Autonio outside the conveht. gate.. -. 
She feared that .she jiiight-be tda late , . ^ 

To speak to the brother.and -of him, ask 
To see Alonzo, that he should unmask 
A plot against her fathers-life 
For he was in .contentious .strife 

With those of the new christian belief* 
Nothing toliim could bring relief 
Whil'st they plotted against him their foe 
But to le-arn their secrets from. Alonzo. - 

Who was of their blood and. bone 

Related to theti- house aloiie 

By deeper bonds than religious ties 
Sidella was his cousin the light of his eyes. 

And rather than harm should her befall 
He would his rigid vows recall 
From heaven's gate would turn away 
Than Sidella should have one sad day. 

He loved the child thro' many years 
Had wiped and dried her childish tears 
Her life to him was the one bright ray 
Had been sent to him in his exiled way. 



SIDELLA. 31 



And her father's life had been many times saved 
By following the way that Alonzo had paved 
And Sidella knew that he was free 
From harm, that she could clearly see. 

By consulting with from time to time 
Alonzo for he ki^ew every crime 
That waS carried on between the pagan sect 
In the Jesuit's moves he was correct. 

The prince had been the enemy 
Of the early church and contumely 
Had followed upon him thick and fast 
Until the Jesuits hated him at last. 

They had planned his life to take 
They had some preparations yet to make 
The prince had heard with darkening face 
With downcast eye had planned the race. 

To outdo them in their own conceit 

To baffle them in their retreat 

Sidella knew by her father's mood 

Tliafe he was in danger and made her brood. 

And so to the convent her way she wends 
To seek Alonzo and then intends 
To beg him to save his life once more 
And then return to Barcelona's shore. 

For she knew of the wide threatening breach 
Between tlie pagan prince and the church's reach 
She knew full well Alonzo' s voice 
Woul4b&-list.ened to at any choice. 

He was deep learned in the nations power 
Could turn the tide at any hour 
Pie held like a balance in his hand the peace 
Between the pagan world and the church with 
ease. 



32 8IDELLA. 



Sidella found Alonzo ill — 

He had been taken with a chill 

The previous night but her story told 

He said to her — be very bold. 

And brave and be not afraid 

Her father's life he had said 

Was safe from the Jesuit's v^^^athful hate 

While he had power to compensate. 

Against all flow of malice deep 
He had sworn to forever keep 
Away from Sidella, while he might 
Vexatious trouble however light. 

Thankfully Sidella thought to return 
She noticed Alonzo with fever burn 
Dear cousin, I'm afraid tho' art sick indeed 
And perhaps thon art very much in need. 

Of attendance, thou must let me call 
She turned to advance along the hall 
Grevot stood there, he had returned 
Thinking his penance had been well earned. 

Summons the Abbot was Sidella's cry 
I think Alonzo about to die 
So sudden the change I see in his face 
I pray thee, that he may have grace. 

Grevot obeyed with quickened step 

Brouglit the Abbot, then he kept 

Watch by the side of the dying saint 

He knew in his life there had been no taint. 

Of selfishness or weakening mind 
His life he lived to help mankind 
Up to the highest spiritual realm 
Such had been his constant dream. 



8IDELLA. 33 



But Alonzo's work was forever o'er 
Death had rapped at his door 
Found him ready, staunch and brave 
To continue his journey beyond the grave. 

Emaciated, thin and still he lay. 
At rest forever, until the day 
When shall rise like the blessed sun 
Radiant ! Glorious ! v/hen the race is run 

Peace on his face as if the soul's flight 
Over matter had been with all his might 
Triumphant ; and blessed and very grand 
Was the souls escape to the great command. 

I must away to my father for he must know 
Of Alonzo's death it will be a blow 
Heavy indeed for him to bear 
I wish me now — that I were there. 

The tears stood in her melting eyes 
In vain she firmly, bravely tries 
To check the sob that is in her heart 
From Alonzo she must forever part. 

Conduct the Signora past the gate — 
Was the order to Grevot from his prelate 
Bless thee my child thou hadst better go 
Before the dark shuts out the glow. 

Of day and tell thy father dear — 
That when Alonzo's end was near 
He was not afraid to meet his Lord 
Whom he had spent his life for and adored. 

He blessed Sidella with extended hands 
Then he returned to his demands 
Among the convents numerous duties 
He had in mind their various surities. 



34 - SIDELLA. 



Grevot led Sidella and her maid 
Out thro' the spacious colonade 
Past the yard and thro' the gate 
In his heart he feared it late. 

For her to attempt to wend her way- 
Back unattended to the city, gay 
With its lights that just began to shine 
Here and there at evening time. 

I had better see thee safe at home [roam 

'Twould displease the Abbot that thou shouldst 
Through this winding dense roadway 
With thy maid alone and I would say. 

That I will journey on with thee 

Until I leave thee safely 

At thy very father's door 

I will return — then, never more. 

Will I see thy face again 
Thought Grevot with almost pain 
In that small short space of time 
Sidella was to him a perfect rhyme. 

Of his own life and inner mind 

Like a budding flower in bright spring time, 

In demeanor, Sidella was like a child 

So quiet, soothing, sweet and mild 

She spoke but little for her heart was sad 
She felt within her intensely glad 
For the protection which Grevot gare 
She was unaccustomed save — 

Much attendance to wander outside 
The city or to the bright sea side. 
Always surround by her nearest friends 
Bounding thro' the woods and fens. 



SIDELLA. 35 



As a ohiid so blithe and gay 

Nature was her bright pathway 

Surround by those who only knew 

The knowledge her father wished to pursue. 

O Lord, have mercy Grevot prayed — 
He spoke of Alonzo as he laid 
Cold and mute in death's embrace 
The world of struggle no more to face. 

There is no death Sidella said 
We need not be of that change afraid 
There is no such a thing as space 
The world is one as is the race. 

Only different as they glide 

Which proves progressions onv.'ard stride 

All manifest life is only one 

Like the ever shining sun. 

And we are only its wonderful rays 
Sent out in its searching ways 
Reaching unto dark recesses 
On the earth there it expresses. 

What we were sent here to perform 
With nature's laws to conform 
Through the lines of humanity 
Into the realms of spirituality. 

Said Sidella — so calm and meek 
Grevot looked at her as if to seek 
From whence came that speech so wise 
She surely had not heard sorrows cries. 

The depth of knowledge of her speech 
Grevot could only think and reach 
By casting away forever indeed 
Aside the rules of his rigorous creed. 



SIDELLA. 



Dost tho' not believe in our dear Lord 
Or art tho' of the class that have ignored 
His presence here on this sinful plain 
And art tho' content to ever remain? 

In the darkness of the ages 
Where death is the sinner's only wages, 
Tho' might be a follower of the hour 
In the wake of Jehova's power. 

Thy Christ is one of many Gods 

Who have come on earth to wield their rods 

Over man on this planet below 

The Gods live over the mountain's snow. 

This earth is not a sinful plain 

But a heavenly abode and I claim 

That beyond the grave 'tis no more supreme 

Than here to him who has learned the dream. 

Of life in its silent mysterious ways 
Peace may be had in all its days 
By those who seek the one true path 
Will be ever away from any wrath. 

Either here or beyond the grave 
The soul in its enfoldment will always save 
The brightest light and onward go 
Until it is white as snow. 

Which may be reached while we live here 
That we belong on high is very clear 
When we know of unselfish souls 
Who live their life as the ocean rolls. 

Free and wide in the broad expanse 
That may at any rate enchance 
The good of lives cast in their way 
Their life is all one brilliant day. 



SIDELLA. 37 



Grevot thought alone 'twas thro' fast and prayer 
The soul could be brought at last to forbear 
Away from the joys of life expressed 
When heaven was reached alone find rest 

In Sidella, Grevot saw the trace 
Of a soul as beautiful as her face 
Calm and wise, pure and sweet 
Learned in knowledge but very meek. 

Thus they reached her father's door 
I wish thee to see him that he might honor 
Thy thoughtfulness and protection kind 
Which will I now forever bind. 

Him to the monks in friendships light 

More than he has known many a day or night 

Sidella led along the way — 

Thro' her father's hall as closed the day. 

Grevot — and bade him rest awhile — 

Then found her father and with a smile 

She passed thro' the curtains with stately tread 

Her noble bearing and regal head. 

The prince arrived and on him cast 
A grateful look which was unasked — 
I thank thee father, the Egyptian said 
Thy kindness to my child — also the dead. 

Alonzo whom I loved these years 

I have had many hopes and fears 

About his health this many day 

I feel he will wish thee for him to pray. 

For he loved the faith he had embraced, 
It could not be from his mind erased 
But that he chose the only way 
Unto Salvation, who shall say him nay. 



38 81 DELL A. 



And (jrrevot thus detailed to him 
Alonzo's work his vigor — vim 
His miselfish life and deep interest 
In all good works he could attest. 

And told him of his painless end 
Quiet as a cloud that had suddenly rend 
Away from the dark and into the light 
Of the shining sun which turned it white. 

On they talked for a space of time 
On religion, politics and even rhyme 
A friendship sprung between the two 
Such as does between the few — 

Who understand at once each other 
The prince feels Grevot almost his brother 
So well he likes his honest face 
And brilliant mind and quiet grace. 

A light repast the Egyptian served 

Not wishing the monk to be reserved 

The Egyptian prince and the monk broke bread 

A thing that had never before been said. 

At least of the prince for we well know 
He hated the monks with a bitter flow 
But sorrow changes man indeed 
No matter what their name or creed. 

Thou art welcome here from this time on 
Said the prince as he saw the monk don 
His hood and with a hearty clasp 
They parted ; and Grevot grasped — 

His crucifix and started out 

Along the road of that well known route 

Out to the convent on the hill 

But his heart within him he could not still. 



SIDELLA. 39 



Pacing along jn the bright moonlight 
It was a beautiful, glorious night 
Nature was so calm and serene 
The mind of the monk was in a dream. 

This deep impression will pass away 
Of the worldly people — I know their day 
Is entirely from my belief different 
I feel I need be reverent. 

Unto my duties which I shall do 
With rectitude, firm and patience through 
My life work, whatever that may be 
With all my strength and fidelity. 

He reached his cell cold and bleak 
He shudders — and bends him down to seek 
Relief from the ravishing dream of delight 
The day had brought him and the night. 

This tumult in my soul sighed he 
t must and will fight desperately 
As he raised his head unto the skies 
Sidella's face was before his eyes. 

He fought and wrestled day by day 
To dispel the dream that on him lay 
At night he prayed in his lonely cell 
The misery of it all, ! who can tell. 

lie fought against his growing love 

For the Egyptian's daughter and He above 

Could alone ere overcome 

The bursting heart in its narrow home, 

Sidella's father wished her to wed 

A prince of his house and related 

To the line of a noble king 

And the honor which such a course would bring 



40 SIDELLA. 



The day for the betrothal had been set 
'Twas seen that Sidella began to fret — 
And in many ways to act restrained 
Of fatigue and illness she complained. 

She asked her father that he set, the day 
Of her bethrothal far away 
I wish thee to wait for a little time 
After a while I will resign. 

Unto which I know must come to pass 
I saw it all in the crystal glass 
But O ! the pain that tears my heart 
It seems to me a sharpened dart. 

Had torn jny mind from its calm groove 
My life me thinks will no more be smooth 
This betrothal hangs on me as a dread 
I could almost wish that I were dead. 

My heart dictates me that I say 

Unto my father, tell him nay — 

My heart is cramped — and smothered — crushed 

But I know this wild love must be hushed. 

That surges thro' my throbbing brain 
I must and at all times forever refrain 
From thinking of that face whose look 
Must forever be a closed sealed book. 

As to this life of love or song 

He must pass his life among 

The sick and vv^eak, the mained and poor 

That he will not leave them they are sure. 

She sank upon her downy couch 
And the tears that started could sadly vouch 
For the suffering heart that she must rob 
Of her life of happiness like a sob. 



8IDELLA. 41 



1 would not that he knew of me 
One thought beyond sincerity 
And kindly wish of earnest friends 
Little she knew how nature lends. 

A charm of magic to that word 
And firmly so when inured 
By youth and beauty and intellect 
For love so wishes to be decked. 

Will his sad face forever shine 
Before these heavy eyes of mine? 
Sidella sighed as the days pass by 
I am so sad was her piteous cry. 

The day for the betrothal at last appeared 
The slaves in the outer yard had reared 
Festoons of flowers and garlands of fern 
For the coming night shaded lamps burn. 

Many were there— the castle bright 
With sweetest song and mirth and light 
The ruler that Sidella should wed 
Was proud and happy and at the head. 

Of all the aspiring youths of Spain, 
Who felt it an honor to have been named 
To attend the royal house of the prince 
For they had no festivities since. 

He led his wife — Sidella's mother 
Home as a bride there no other 
Than a very quiet life 
Lived the Egyptian and his wife. 

The banquet spread with richest viands 
The oldest and the rarest wines 
Groaning with the choicest food 
All so palatable— all so good. 



42 SIDELLA. 



All was gay and in good cheer 

The betrothal couple about to appear 

Sidella royal in gold and white 

In her dark brown hair the gleaming light. 

Of the diamond crescent whose changing rays 
Shone like the sun in summer days 
She stands in her sheen and lace and gold 
Her face so pale, her heart so cold. 

The sumptuous hall she sees it not 
The lights and music she has forgot 
She only sees a shrunken form 
Clothed in a cowl so very worn. 

And a face white, wan and pinched, 

Her heart strings have been forever clinched 

By the towering power of love — 

She feels a broken lowly dove, 

Out thro' the portal wide which led 

Into the garden, Sidella fled 

Past the clinging vines unseen 

To calm her thoughts and then redeem — 

Her indifferent conduct to her guests 
And to her maid Annette, requests 
I will in-the garden one moment sojourn 
Sit thee there then till I return. 

On she sped passed the branches low [glow 

That lent their perfume to the bright moon's 
The night was still and warm and calm 
Kesting Sidella like sweet balm. 

Which way shall I ever turn 

I feel my eyes within me burn 

I know indeed my heart is dead 

To the man my father would have me wed. 



SIDELLA. 43 



Ah me, my heart is very sad — 
I feel it beating wildly mad 
I will away to the fountains spray 
Perhaps 'will soothe my tears away. 

Along the pathway smooth and white 
Like a spectre in the bright moonlight 
And as she hears the water trill 
She sees the convent on the hill. 

And now I know my heart will break 
Are the words the proud Bidella spake 
Thro' all time I'll love but thee 
Beyond this life thro' eternity. 

Outstretched her arms toward the convent.'site 

A shadow fell in the moon's bright light 
Across her path by the murmuring fount 
We need not against fate ever count 

Crouched at the foot of the fountain's base 
Grevot tlie monk with his buried face 
White and sad and deeply drawn 
Among the folds of his robe forlorn. 

He sprang like an animal from its lair 
Passionate, eager — ready to tear 
Any one who should come between! 
His own sad soul and Sidella his queen. 

He clasped her in his long thin arms 

In the grasp of pure love which never harms 

His religious life he had out ran 

Grevot's not the monk — but lover and man. 

Her upturned face meets his passionate kiss 
With warm and rapturous happiness 
Thou alone shall be my king 
In her voice a happy ring. 



44 SIDELLA. 



I know 'twill not be upon this plain 
But even that will ease the pain 
I would not by my love for thee 
Draw thee away from eternity. 

Which in thy church is a rule severe 

And to my mind is very clear 

That thou, and I must forever part 

I would have thee know 'twill break my heart. 

Tho' art my soul, — my life, — my love — 
Hurely this love is from above 
I shall love thee until I'm cold and stark 
And death has set on me its mark. 

X cannot live away from thee 

Tis why I left the monastry 

This night and wended along my way 

Into thy garden where the fountains play. 

'Twas known to me, this night tho' shouldst be 
Betrothed to an Egyptian from across the sea 
From out my cell to-night I stole 
Like a hiding thief that I might console. 

My breaking heart and bursting mind 
For already round me had entwined 
My deathless love for thee, my queen, 
Which shall last to the end of heavens realm. 

And on my way as hither wending 
O'er the winding road way bending 
I prayed to see thee just once more 
Before we parted forevermore. 

I knew tho' wouldst go from me 
Far beyond the deep Red Sea 
Thus I came but not attending 
My love for thee, my life is ending. 



SI DELL A. 46 



On their faces mute despair 
Deathless love was written there 
Grevot's eyes burning wild 
Sidella warm as a trusting child. 

In loves deep ecstacy they rhyme 
J ust for one short space of time 
Back where the lights and music glares 
One with lagging step repairs — 

The other broken, bent and old 
In his cell so bleak and cold 
If love be sin, Lord forgive— 
The monk Grevot has no wish to live. 

She said there was no such thing as space 
Can that be why her lovely face 
Burns in my brain so close and clear 
Me thinks I could clasp her she is so near. 

Sidella grew thin, sad and pined. 
The bells no longer for her chimed 
Their music in the balmy air 
Her sou] v/as heavy with silent care. 

The dreamy southern days pass by 
Sidella's wedding day draws nigh 
With wealth and pomp and rich splendor 
And willing hands with vv'hich to render. 

All that was gay and fine and bright 
The wedding to be a beautiful sight 
The Egyptian opened wide his door 
And welcomed ail the rich and poor. 

All the nobility of Spain 
Came to witness the gorgeous train 
Of old and young, beauty and youth 
They came to bless Sidella in truth. 



46 SIDELLA. 



For she was known for many a mile 

For her kindly heart and gentle smile 

iShe Jiad many a sad heart blest, 

With their troubles and misery oft distrest. 

Out from the castle the music strains — 
Lights flash thro' the window panes 
Groups of maidens in clinging white 
Make a picture in the night. 

All was at the height of revelry gay 
Where is Sidella — one was heard to say 
'Twas growing late she had not appeared 
She may be ill is what they feared. 

But Sidella these many hours had flown 

Out thro' the portal and there alone 

Sped with a staggering, halting step 

On where the moonlight and fountain kept — 

Harmonious rhyme and constant blending 
Will my hearts sorrow be unending 
Into the starlight I would say 
I care me not to see the day. 

Alonzo gave this phial to me 
Saying if in captivity 
If peril surround me very deep 
Drink and 1 would forever sleep. 

Surely in peril deep I stand 

I will journey on to a different land 

I can not have my own hearts mate 

'Tis useless to strive against the hand of fate. 

She drank the liquid from the glass 
And sank upon the downy grass 
I will rest me by the waters rill 
Where I can see the convent on the hill. 



SIDELLA. 47 



Winding along the broad highway 

On towards where the fountain's spray 

A lonely figure presses near 

Grevot the monk — the light makes clear. 

Sad and broken and depress't 

In his heart he finds no rest 

Again to see her I will yield 

He stooped and trembled, almost reeled — 

Then at his feet Sidella lay 
Like a broken flower in early May 
He carried her in his deep embrace 
And rained his kisses on her face. 

He bore her into the arbor by 
Chaffed her hands and with the cry 
'"Sidella knowest tho' me not 
I am thy slave — thy own Grevot." 

Tho' art my noble lover-king 
Moaned Sidella with a weary ring 
Her voice was broken and far away 
The monk bent a knee by her to pray. 

Sidella had passed out into the night 
Death led her out in the bright moonlight 
Calm and cold, and mute she lay 
Dead in the arbor— on her wedding day. 

The monk knelt by her many hours 
Did he commune with the heavenly powers 
My last hour on this earth shall be 
With my eyes my love intent on thee. 

And so it was with arms wound round 
Sidella, and one knee on the ground 
With his head upon her shimmering breast 
The monk Grevot had found his rest. 



48 SIDELLA, 



Thus they found them one and air 
Who came from out the castle hall 
Sidella in her bridal array 
The monk in his robe so cold and gray. 

Entwined in each others arms and death 
Had set his seal and breathed his breath 
Upon these two so wide apart 
In religion's view but one in heart. 

And who shall say their love was sin 
Since it came upon them to let in 
The God like ray of heaven's love 
It was sent them from above. 

And who shall say that love can die 
That element like the brightest sky 
Helen and Paris in lovers rhyme 
Is but Cleopatra in Anthony's time. 

True to the pole of nature's law^ 

Grevot and the sweet Sidella saw 

The universe;in each others eyes 

Had met their heaven this side of the skies. 

The veil is drawn across the scene 
We wake from out our lovely dream 
Sad and yet so very meek 
It brings us wisdom that we seek. 

Into the dawn of our own bright day 
Away from the scene at Barcelona's Bay 
Yet often in our minds will creep 
The story of Sidella and we will weep — 

When we think of her broken love 
Wounded like the lonely dove 
When we know Sidellas' dead 
With her noble bearing and regal head. 



TPIE DREAMERS. 49 



The story is told and shall we not 
Think of the brave and true Grevot 
With his wealth of unbounded love 
Which he changed for the life above. 

February 6, 1895. 



'THE DREAMERS," 



In the summer land where palms are bending 
Where summer breezes play unending 
Where shines the sun and the sea attending 
Makes the balmy air serene. 
When night comes on the stars are lending 
Their brilliant charm to the light commending 
From the day our thoughts are trending 
Making life one lovely dream. 

The air is laden with sweet perfume, 

Our dreamy thoughts we may resume 

With the heavenly powers we may commune 

As falls the shades of night. 

The distant sea, its soothing croon 

Meets the breeze in swaying tune. 

In the eastern sky the moon 

Shines radiantly the light. 

When comes the day, the birds are singing, 
Joyously their sweet notes ringing 
Tho' the trees their love songs flinging 
Making perfect rhyme. 
In the woods the wild flowers blooming 
Thro' the dense shade the sun is looming 
Heaven's bowers without assuming 
The glorious southern clime. 



50 . THE DREAMERS. 



There lay upon a couch reclining 

A dreamer from the strong sun shining 

In the shade of the palm inclining 

To float with the dream of day. 

To him no thought of the world repining 

Around him harmony ever entwining 

Thro' all time to love consigning 

Like the sun's bright ray. 

To him life was one bright ray 

'Twas never night, but always day, 

If all our lives could ere' be may, 

How happy we would be. 

The land and the sea were to him the same 

Twas no different because of name 

The ocean's tide in its might and main 

Was only bright blue sea. 

He was tall and thin and dark 
Northern eyes you there mark 
His mind is soaring like the lark 
In early summer time. 
The natives make of him their king 
His wish is lav/ in everything 
Eager to hear his kind voice ring 
Around him they recline. 

Thro' his mystic brain is weaving 

Strains of untold stories leaving 

An impression to which we're cleaving 

With marked intensity. 

On they flow in their shadowy train 

He's Gpt content to remain 

From the truths which they contain 

Of unfathomed immensity. 




In the shade of the palm inclining 
To float with the dream of day. 



THE DREAMERS. 51 



His wealth of mind is wonderfnl 
Plis thought of life is beautiful 
His intense nature bountiful 
In its entirety. 

Of winding thro' with ample room 
Shadows light and deepest gloom 
Flowers in bud and deepest bloom 
E'en to eternity. 

Night again the Kahuna weird 

Chants the songs with which she's reared 

Through the night whose spell is cleared 

With her tune so wild, 

By the sea with a ghostly crew 

She sings the song all the long night thro* 

The custom's old, the songs not new 

Which sings the Kahuna child. 

Now the melody is low and sweet 
Now again the loud winds greet 
Every stage of life to meet 
The wild Kahuna song. 
Now again in wildest pain 
On the heart it pours its reign 
And we know 'twill ever deign 
To sooth us all along. 

In her eyes no sign of slumbering 
But her heartaches she is numbering 
O ! that love should be encumbering 
To our happiness. 
On the sea the shadows rowing 
Clear she sees in the moonlight glowing 
All her heart in her love song throwing 
Wildly to confess. 



52 THE DEEAMERS. 



Yet within her she is chiding 
For the wild love so swift and gliding 
In her heart o'er her senses riding 
Where the northern dreamer lay. 
Silent she is ever shielding 
Yet in secret ever yielding 
Love forever thus is wielding 
Time is his powerful day. 

She is the beautiful one of her race 
Glorious eyes and lovely face 
Beaming dark with winning grace 
Her love she proudly hides. 
And her pain she does not measure 
'Tis alike to her a treasure. 
Suffering love is almost pleasure 
And its sorrow she abides. 

"Well she knows he is above her station 
Love has made for her a new creation 
With the dreamer of a proud nation 
Sings the wild Kahuna girl. 
Of him she is ever thinking 
In the wild dream she is sinking 
The bitter waters she is drinking 
Of loves unresponsive whirl. 

Life has but to her one meaning 

Aud she reaps it at the gleaning 

Of the sun and water teaming 

Its dying dim twilight. 

In her wild and stately lovliness 

In our thoughts she will ever impiess 

Sorrow we can scarce express 

As the dead midnight. 




By the sea to a ghostly crew 

She sings the song all the long night through. 



THE DREAMERS. 53 



That her love is but a wild dream 

She forever cannot deem 

Other than part of heaven's realm 

Unto her untaught heart 

Back among her native throng 

Wilder sounds her eirie song 

Weird and mournful the whole night long 

She sings of her broken heart. 

Thus our lives we dream away 
Wishing night when always day 
Oftimes sad when we should be gay 
So rolls the ocean deep. 
And to blame them would be wrongful 
And to chide them would be scornful 
To love them altho' tis mournful 
Thro' our senses creep. 

In the summer land where palms are bending 

And their soothing perfume lending 

To the light their strength intending 

To mingle with the day. 

His has gone to his northern throne 

He has left her all alone 

She sinks down without a moan 

In death's dream she lay. 

Where the southern palms are bending 
Where the breezes play unending 
With the sun and sea attending 
Passed the dreamers o'er the deep. 
And we see with slightest glance . 
That our lives are one deep trance 
The best of it romance, 
Then our long eternal sleep. 

February 20, 1895. 



54 MAC GRAY. 



MAC GRAY," 



MacGray with his ugly tyranical sneer 
Was despised by the neighbors far and near. 
In his scared and mangled face 
You could find not one redeeming trace. 

His eyes were deep set and close together 
'Tis said, "a flock of birds are of a feather/' 
.Perhaps 'twas the reason why MacGray 
Kept away from the people who were gay. 

But if he could find some one in crime 
Steeped as in salty brine 
There you'd surely find MacGray 
Smiling as a day in May. 

His black hair stood in mated locks 
Upon his low forehead in shocks, 
His repulsive mouth and high cheek bone 
Would make the character student groan. 

He always had the meanest leer 
Accompanied by the ugliest sneer, 
The people near and far away 
Hated the very name of MacGray. 

The villagers dreaded to see him pass by 
The cottage doors, for many a cry 
Of fright had been from the children wrung 
Of MacGray as he often trod among. 



MAC GRAY. 5r) 



The simple folk of the town of Lynn 
In the year when the early settlers din 
And confusion of settling a new town 
Always bring more or less renown. 

'Twas said he came from a prison jail 

For robbing the people, and robbing the mail 

There was no crime known to man 

But the wild MacGray had lent a hand. 

Full of hate and full of crime . 
The poor people wished for the very time 
That the Lord would call upon MacGray 
To answer for his misspent day. 

MacGray cared not for their biting scorn 
Nothing they said to him was a thorn 
He had passed the line where the finer sense 
Had in it any recompense. 

He hated life, he hated man 
He hated God — and what man can 
Live and that thought ever nurse 
Be other than a living curse. 

He had lived unto his fortieth year 
And never yet had shed a tear. 
He had been heard many times to say 
No tears will ever come from MacGray. 

He mocked at men who were sincere 
He scoffed at those with conscience clear 
Boasting in his godless day 
Walked the renegade MacGray. 

He was tall, big boned and long armed 
Uncouth and raw like one who harmed 
Every one who had come in his way 
Was the ugly lean MacGray. 



MAC GRAY. 



One day there came upon MacGray 
The last he lived in his reckless way 
Sorrow the first that on him fell 
It was to him as a funeral knell. 

Of all his crime that was in the past 
On his hardened heart had cast 
No cloud so dark but has one bright ray 
And so it was with the wild MacGray. 

In the height of all his crime 
It came upon him just in time 
T})at God would not deny him — nay 
That which man had denied MacGray. 

Stumbling out from the town one night 
A storm was raging in its might 
Peals of thunder rent the air 
Flashed the lightning everywhere. 

Down in large drops came the rain 
Cold and bleak with smarting pain 
Out to his hut where night was as day 
Strode the ugly, stern MacGray. 

Cursing the townfolks every one 
Hating them and sparing none 
For every word they had to say 
A bitter invective hurled MacGray. 

He had not heard from the lips of man 
One kind word in all his life, and who can 
Blame entirely the bitter lay 
Of the vicious, untaught MacGray. 

Along in the dark, and stormy black 
Of the tempest whirling enough to rack 
The mind of a stronger man than he 
Outcast indeed he seemed to be. 




Down in large drops came the rain 
Cold and bleak with smarting pain 
Out to his hut where night was as day 
Strode the ugly— stern IMacGray. 



MAC GRAY. 



Huddled down in a ragged heap 
SoniG one apparently asleep 
So closely to the sloping ground 
MacGray a woman and a baby found. 

Closer she clutched her little babe 
For God sake ! sir ! will you save 
My little one and let me lie. 
Here and I will willingly die. 

You may have a wife and little one 
Pity me as if you had known 
Some one in your life you've loved 
God will bless you in heaven above. 

This night I walked all thro' the town 
Then came here and laid me down 
Not one house in all the city 
Would listen or have one breath of pity- 

Upon me in my black despair 
Racked with pain about to bear 
This little one upon my breast 
O, my God ! where will I rest. 

I am an outcast, ragged and poor 
I've begged my way from door to door 
If I could but lie here and die 
I would bless you with my dying cry. 

If you will save my little child — 
She then arose, and raving wild 
Outpoured into the stormy night 
Snatches of prayer and songs of light. 

A sardonic smile lit up his face 
As he halted in his stumbling pace 
Some loved one, me — wife and child, 
But of course she's raving wild 



58 MAC GRAY. 



She cannot stay out in this heavy storm 
She can go in the hut it will keep her warm 
When morning comes she can go her way 
The weather permitting said MacGray. 

In his arms she placed the child 

She then appeared to become more mild. 

With his hand upon her arm 

He led the mother away from harm. 

Of the cold and chilly night 
For the early frosts were beginning to bite 
And the good people of the town of Lynn 
Who would not let the outcast in. 

Surely sir, you are a saint 

The Lord has not left in you a taint 

Of selfishness. But I'm not so bad 

My troubles have driven me almost mad. 

Soaking and raggled he led her along 
The well known path till he felt the thong 
That hung outside the door of his hut 
But the woman had fallen against a rut. 

That grew beside the shanty door 
He brought her in and on the floor 
The mother and the baby lay 
In the hut of the wild MacGray. 

It was in his life the first kind act 
Man likes honor from even a maniac 
He stirred him about and began to think 
What he could find warm for her to drink. 

He placed her on his tumbled bed 
And over her his blanket spread 
And soon he had a scant fire glowing 
On the floor, weird shadows throwing. 



MAC GRAY. 59 



Misery, wretchedness and despair 
Are the elements that are there 
Poverty, want and days misspent 
Perhaps their lives had been well meant. 

All was deep and wretched gloom 
'Twas the dark pattern in the loom 
The one bright thread in the intense dark 
Was the innocent babe in its untrod mark. 

Outside the whirling blasts of rain 
Beat against the window pane 
Thro' the night till moon's first ray 
Sat and watched the rough MacGray. 

Watched and cooled the fevered brow 
Of the suffering woman — now — 
Watched and fed the little babe 
From his coat a rough bed made. 

And placed it by the flickering light 
'Twas out of the storm of that wild night 
They'd been dead had they laid there till break 

of day 
Said the gruff outcast MacGray. 

The sufferer lay for days and moaned 
And tossed and raved, with fever groaned 
Talked of home and mother dear 
In her- ravings, asked, — was Edward here? 

And told of school and happy days 
When the sun shone on her but bright rays 
Then of the dark days and of their pain 
That left a mark on her brow like Cain. 

The days pass by, her mind returns 

No more her breath with fever burns 

Tell me how I came here to-day. 

Was the first she spoke to the rude MacGray. 



60 MAC GRAY. 



I will tell you my name, you may call me Ruth 
Will tell you my story, its sadness, its truth 
I have a little money with which I will pay 
For your kindness and trouble, she said to 

MacGray. 
Then I will take my babe and go 
That my heart's thank you have-you must know 
She did not know that weeks passed by 
Since she had heard her little one cry. 

That MacGray had gone to the town of Lynn 
Where the people would not let the stray lamb in 
And there he had with hands so willing 
Earned his very first honest shilling. 

And did whatever he could find 
What he worked for he did not mind 
And when night came the way it was spent 
Was to buy some food and nourishment — 

For the sufferer on the cot 

In his hut, and it fell his lot 

The first in his life that he should find 

Human sympathy for his kind. 

He watched at night by the woman's side 
He fed the infant when it cried 
He watched for days as the long hours passed 
Without one sign that he was harassed. 

The babe had become to him as life 

He seemed to feel he was through with strife. 

It had brought a peace into his heart 

Of which he could not bear to part, 

And as her name and story told 
Without one trait of boasting bold 
But beaten, heavy hearted, crushed 
The first love of his life had rushed— 



MAC GRAY. Gl 



Thro' his veins and heart and mind 
To her at least I can be kind 
She does not think, that I'm all bad 
That I can prove it I. am glad 

Ane she will go avi^ay that's clear 

I'll ask her to leave the little one here, 

Until she finds a snugger place 

For the little one with its pretty face. 

I wonder why the little one 
Makes me think of what I've done 
When I left to wildly roam 
Away from my boyish home. 

It makes me think of brother Ned 
Edward she cried on her raving bed, 
But she's not from across the sea 
She is from this country. 

I don't want to hear your story, miss. 
Nor do I want any thanks for this 
Little I've done for you to-day 
Said the changed— changed MacGray. 

You can leave the little one here, if you will 
I think I can keep it quiet and still 
Until you get back to your friends 
Said MacGray, I'll make amends — 

For asking to keep from her the child 
Perhaps she'll dream I think her wild. 
Perhaps she will think I am trying to cheer 
But I wish she would not go from here. 

But of course she will for she is proud 
Even if it would be her shroud. 
She will go for that's what she said 
Even if she would be brought back dead. 



62 MAC GE AY. 



I do not want your money — my lass 
Whoever knows, if may oome to ]\i«:s. 
I'll ask a fM\(»r of yoti soiuf (hiy 
Stiid iIh' \va\ t'riii^ .Mac(}rM,v. 

KiUli's hair vvn.s light, Jier eyes whs blue 
And she would have made a woman true 
Had she been dealt witJi intent kind 
No better woman could you find, 

She was quiet and reserved 
Her childhood's belief she preserved 
That God in his merciful ways 
Would protect her all her days. 

She had been led along the path 
Of many one like her who hath 
No suspicion of another 
It was no less than the brother— 

Of the man whose very shelter 
Had covered and protected her 
Her story told— 'twas a piteous lay 
May God forgive him said MacGray. 

I will leave my little one here awhile 
And will go from here about a mile 
Where I will find work and soon return 
For my babe my heart will yearn. 

I know you will be good and kind 
I did not thin-k to ever find 
One friend in all my bitter woe 
God bless you sir — now I will go. 

Out in the night again she strode 
Away from the tumbled down abode 
I'll soon return with food and clothes 
This w^^as the better way to choose. 



MAG GRAY. OH 



His face is rough but liis lionrt i« kind 
1 do [io1 think hr h:i> rrpiiMMJ 

Nolli' Itllt H III.'III killtl iixl '*-l| 

Won 111 |iil \ :i Won in II lie roiind in m-ftl. 

tSho reached the edge of a forest clearing 
On to the town she is nearing 
Tired, weary and very weak 
She sat down a little rest to seek 

The bitter tears rolled from her eyes 

As she raised her piteous face to the skies 

A cracking twig that near her lay 

And beside her stood the dark MacGray. 

Come back to the hut — don't go away 
The babe will cry for you night and day 
You can stay there and I'll go away 
Said the choking voice of MacGray. 

I can work, I'm strong and rough 
I can earn plenty and enough 
For me and you and the baby too 
And that is what I'd like to do. 

And they were wed this outcast pair 
And such an occurence was so rare 
That the good people of the town of Lynn 
Made great commotion and great din. 

They saved a little and moved far west 

There they come to find such rest 

As they never before had felt 

So thankful for it they fervently knelt— 

And thanked the giver of all peace 
For their sorrows seemed to cease. 
Prudent, careful and devout 
Were their lives from that time out. 



64 MAC GRAY. 



MacQray did well in all his undertakings 
They had a quiet life and also merry makings. 
The girl grew up like a pure bright ray 
And the name they gave her was Ruth MacGray 

Respected and loved far and near 
Charitable, kind no one need fear 
To call for aid from him night or day 
For riches had come unto MacGray. 

He had struck a mine in his early trials 
Had worked at it with many denials 
At last it yielded its bright gold 
And brought him flowing wealth untold. 

Upright, brave, staunch and true 

He lived with ever this thought in view 

To atone by kindly life 

For the days he lived in strife. 

Back to the little town of Lynn [in 

Where the good folks would not let the outcast 
Back after twenty years to the day 
Strode the tall white haired MacGray. 

Back again after all the years 
With their unseen joys and fears 
On his scared and mangled face 
You could not find one repulsive trace. 

His head was venerable and white 

On his face a peaceful light 

Sadness and strife — love wiped away 

And before us stands the— "Man MacGray." 

February 20, 1895. 




STELLA 



STELLA. 65 



STELLA: ANGEL OR DEVIL. 



To study the character of a soul 
We mast begin as the ocean's roll 
At the beginning of all time 
Tracing thro' all ages clime 
What we manifest to-day - 
Is but gleamed from far away 
In earlier times and exprest' now 
Unwilling perhaps but a truthful vow 
Which nature in her moods so wild 
Expects of her vagrant child. 

What we know and are this hour 
A century hence would make us cower 
With our egotistic pride 
Swimming in presumptuous' tide 
No one mind ever comprehends 
Another's mind: and thus defends, 
The dense misunderstood position 
Of a soul whose mute transition 
Spends its force like the ebbing wave 
Ending with the quiet grave. 



66 STELLA. 



An offspring of both parents mild 
To this strange peculiar child 
Early grown to womanhood 
They have labored for her good 
See in her fantastic traits 
Something on their spirit grates 
Her frolicks wild and fearless ways 
Think they in her older days 
Wisdom on her then will rest 
They chide her not, they think it best. 



And there is no known reason 
Why her life should have been treason 
To the part that was divine 
God given — we should not resign 
To the depths of which is base 
Then we're like the broken vase 
Which cannot ever be made whole 
So tis with the broken soul 
We cannot mar but never make 
The truth for its eternal sake. 



Stella grew and thrived awhile 

Ail without apparent guile 

Brighter than her comrades round 

She seemed with inner influence surround' 

Statuesque her face and fair 

Like the raven's wing her hair 

Darkest eyes whose depths ere tells 

Hidden stories like unknown wells 

As swiftest flows the deepest streams 

Most intense lives appear as dreams. 



STELLA. 67 



Twas so with Stella, one never knew 
From appearance as she grew 
Whether she was calm and mild 
Whether she was fierce and wild, 
So well adapted was her mind 
To every mood that nature lined 
Out upon her crossed pathway 
Like shadows on the sunny day, 
Thus her life was densely checked 
With heavy woes her life was decked. 

In the village she was known 
As an angel who alone 
The rays of God's greice fell upon 
And whose artless method's don 
Downcast eyes and quiet airs 
Deportment meek she ever wears 
Among the sick a soothing voice 
Also the poor — it seems her choice 
On her brow the martyr's crown 
Fully rests with calm renown. 



The beginning of her eighteenth year 

Marks an epoch very clear 

In the life of this strange creature, 

And it was a fearful feature, 

A murderous instinct takes possession 

And she yields with slight concession 

Toward the impulse and unyielding 

Not one wish is she shielding 

Like the storm gathering shades 

The spirit of light shrinks and fades. 



68 STELLA. 



Nursing by a sick bedside 
111 early spring at eventide 
A woman broken, bent and old 
And withal worth untold gold 
Stella stood with glittering eye 
Wishing she would see her die 
That she might come unto wealth 
Which she took with evil stealth. 
To the sleeping woman gave 
Poison from which she could not save. 

Saw her die and laid away 
And her dust makes gold to-day. 
We little think with grasp and greed 
The mills of the Gods we slowly feed 
Stella stole her wealth and fled 
To the city with steady tread. 
She had youth to lead on her 
Which meant strength : and upon 
Whose strong arm she rests with ease 
Thinks alas — gold will appeas. 



The soul when it looks for more 
Than undug gold or ungained lore, 
She revels in the city's glare 
Of its pomp and glitter rare 
Wine and food of richest cost 
Eealizing not the frost 
Of winter is about to chill 
And her soul with anguish fill 
Only sees the rising star 
Whose setting seems so very far. 



STELLA. 69 



Crowded round by luxurious vanity 

Heeding not the sad humanity 

Which about her fauned and hung 

And her praises ever sung, 

Until one day a crippled boy 

Who was his mother's only joy 

Came to beg at her golden door 

Almost groveling to the floor 

Bowed with h under and so abject 

That a hardn'ed heart must needs reflect. 



Stella took him by the hand 

Led him in her palace grand 

Gave him gold — and food to eat 

Sat him in a downey seat. 

In the corner of a couch 

Heard his story, she could vouch 

For its depth and truthfulness 

He reluctant to confess 

Seeks the mother bids her share 

The happy home she will prepare. 

Happy boy and happy mother 

They will never find another 

Friend whose kind and thoughtful heart 

Took from them the awful dart 

Of poverty and wretchedness 

Lifted up their deep distress 

They bless her every night in prayer 

The God sent one : an angel rare 

Stands she out before their eyes 

Like Venus in the western skies. 



70 STELLA. 



Like the butterfly bright and gay 
Stella wiles her life away 
Among the friends who crowd around 
4nd whose friendship is firm and sound 
Her glittering eye scans far and wide 
And she turns like the backward tide 
When she knows their hearts are hers 
And with smiles she onward lure 
Like the snake who charms the thrush 
She grasps their soul— only to crush. 



And to come to it direct 
Bringing in all due respect 
'Tis in human life the aim 
Human love is an empty name, 
Self is the highest moral standard 
To which everything is pandered. 
We may listen, pray and preach 
But 'tis still beyond our reach 
To drop this self and live outside 
The bond of I ; which still is pride. 

Stella stands in the ballroom's glare 
To-night, with arms and shoulders bare 
, Clad in yellow silk, whose sheen 
Brilliant shines in the bright light's glean. 
For every one a word and smile 
And in her heart a heavy guile 
Is working still and sure its way 
She steals the hearts of the happy and gay 
She steals the love of those she can 
She breaks the hearts of many a man. 



STELLA. Ti- 



ll! her eye the devil lurks 
In her smile the devil smirks, 
For she plans and wilfully tries 
To bring misery and then disguise 
With brightest smile her deep intent 
She plies her art on mischief bent 
Draws around her with cunning glee 
Slaves whose heart she ne're will free 
The fabled spider and the fly 
Is the analogy of h3r sigh 



Bends there by her stately side 
A noble youth who ne're had guide, 
The stately Stella he adored. 
But her life be only bored 
Ple'd his love long and in vain 
She never heeds his grief and pain 
With sarcastic laugh and smile 
Greets his pleadings ; then a vile 
Thought he firmly grasps 
At her feet in awful gasps. 

Dies and pours his warm life's blood 
Jj'ike a flowing living flood 
To her life a sacrifice 
Thinks not whether blind or wise 
Dies for love of her alone. 
Without one curse or cry or moan 
Stella turns from him as cold 
As if her heart was cast in mould 
Of granite from the deepest earth 
Or never knew of human birth. 



72 STELLA. 



Cares not for the dying groan 

Of one who loves her soul alone 

Separate from all earthly ties 

No selfish thought his love implies 

On in sumptuous glee she treads 

Trampling loving hearts who sheds 

Tears upon her way, enough 

To make the smoothest pathway rough, 

Euffle lives that come before her 

Ruin lives that ere would falter. 



If by love they were not led 
And by love they were not fed 
Ruined lives in the world to-day 
Are spoiled by love in its awful sway 
In its strong and wild desires 
It wishes all like forest fires 
Not content less every tree 
To the roots is mournfully 
Burned 1 blackened ! and charred 
Mangled fearfully and scarred. 

And the length of Stella's sway 
Is a lesson to those who may 
Think to grasp and persevere 
In unrighteous life and drear 
Is the aspect of a mind 
Who relies in their youthful prime 
To the days whose seeming cheer 
Makes the dying twilight clear 
When life takes on brightest hues 
Fair as telescopic views. 



STELLA. 73 



A woman comes this very night 

In the ball room's glitter bright, 

Of the stately Stella begs 

To tell her story with its dregs 

Of human misery and woe 

She has on earth no where to go 

She is shunned by human kind 

They only swear and frown and grind 

Like a leper pass her by 

Never heed her wailing cry. 

Alice is her maiden name 
And her lover was the same 
Youth who had at Stella's shrine 
Spilt his blood like blood red wine 
Whispers unto Stella's ear 
Her sad story with its fear 
Of coming hunger, want and home 
Stands she to-night in the world alone. 
Only the streets for me await 
Is the reason I rap at your charitable gate. 

/ 

To her home the woman brought 
Stella thro' the city sought 
Choicest food for her pallid lips 
Honey from the bee who sips 
From the fragrant flowers the dew 
For the lives for which it grew 
When she heard her sad, sad tale 
Without thought to weep and wail 
Made her comfortable and warm 
Heeded not conventions form. 



74 STELLA. 



Alice died, yet lived her babe 
She begs the stately Stella save 
Her little one from unkind hands 
Stella yields to her demands 
Makes a promise with the mother 
That the child will ne're know other 
Than herself to look upon ; 
And the loving little one 
Grew and romped in childish fun. 
Stella loved him as her son. 

Stella guards with deep alarm 
The little one from apparent harm 
Sings at night a soothing croon 
Then a most melodious tune 
For the little orphan child 
Could you now believe her wild 
Cruel, barbarous and false 
As she steps the gliding waltz 
Out among her comrades gay 
Treating night hours as the day. 

AVhich she does as time rolls by 
Joins again the throngs who vie 
In secret triumph to outdo 
Stella stands in the full glare's view 
Brilliant, beautiful and defiant 
Noble looking and self-reliant 
Still around her as the magnet 
Clings her followers and the signet 
Of their standing and renown 
Is to follow Stella's gown. 



STELLA. 



For she sets the flippant styles 
AVith her gold and art and wiles 
Tighter draws the willing slaves 
To the rules which fashion paves. 
Stella is the queenly bee 
Adored by a buzzing sea, 
At her beck and call they follow 
Society is as empty — hollow 
As the tree whose outside bark 
Stands alone a ruined mark 

Ah ! that life should mean so much, 

Ileightest heights within our touch, 

The universe within our gras^D, 

Yet we lack the power to clasp. 

Ah ! that life so little means 

That past ages little seems 

More than the wave and turn of the tide 

Only whos3 bright and better side 

Is the dream of an illusion 

We know to-day in our hearts seclusion. 

But away with such discussion 

Back to the story whose expression 

Is meant because there are such souls 

Which nature holds in her mysterious folds 

Of good and bad alike composed 

In light and dark also enclosed, 

Who in all this world can say. 

One is good or bad? I pray, 

We know not of the soul its mixture 

We ne're can classify its fixture. 



STELLA. 



Stella, with the gambler's glee 
Wins and looses tremously 
At the roulette table seated 
After all her friends retreated 
Her face is deeply drawn and pale 
In her eyes the plain tell tale 
Look of nightly dissipation 
Lines that show the concentration 
Of her life and steadfast grovv^ing 
Toward the whirlwind she is sowing. 

Piles the gold she quickly wins 

Counting not the many sins 

Which that shining metal covers 

Law and church and even lovers 

Fall beneath its tyrant sway 

Controls alike the sad and gay. 

Stella thinks not of these things 

Only the luxury that it brings, 

Is the extent of her thought as she glides 

Away with her gold as the storm which rides. 

On with destruction, o'er land and sea 

Wild and fierce, yet always free 

Never stops to look behind 

Does not think she is unkind 

Sees not hearts that she has broken 

Sees them not by any token 

In her selfish greed for gain 

Has laughed and mocked at the loser's pain 

Grasping her gold with a miser's greed 

She gropes her way thro' want and need. 



STELLA. 77 



Out past tJie portal whose every stone 
Could tell a story and wail a moan 
HoniQS and hearts in misery wrecked 
The march of broken lives not checked 
Lying prostrate in a heap 
A sight which makes her cold heart leap 
Face down ! dead upon the ground 
Shot thro' the heart w^hen he was found 
A man with hair as white as snow 
His last gold gone in the awful flow. 

Which Stella had reaped that very night 
My God ! she cried with guilty fright 
Poor old man, mine was the hand 
That drove you aw^ay from this fair land. 
Cursed be the glittering gold 
Which has brought this man so old 
To throw away his wretched life 
Because he could not stand the strife 
To face the world when on came age 
Without wealth 'tis one tempestuous page. 

A sad eyed woman dressed in black 
Showing that life had been a rack 
Upon which she'd been bent and torn 
Claimed the dead with voice so worn 
And broken low and sad. 
'Tis no wonder the world's half mad 
Upon some hearts the weight of woe 
Is more than should be worn ; yet lo 1 
Out from the very saddest souls 
Deepest wisdom oft condoles. 



78 STELLA. 



Stella poured into her lap 

Yellow gold to fill the gap 

Of her deep heart rendering grief 

Thinks she with her false belief 

That worldly wealth ere' filled the void 

Of the hearts love and alloyed 

Is anything that this earth yields 

Under earth or in the fields 

In the water or the sky 

When love calls with its deathless, cry. 

Stella turned from them away 

Quaffed the wine cup night and day 

Reveled in all worldly vice 

That would bring some new device 

To wile away the hours in pleasure 

Life has now to her no treasure 

Growing old the world has lost 

All the joy which it had cost 

Her brightest years of youth and strength 

The law of life has its true length. 

Which we cannot wilfully cheat 

Else wo ever will repeat 

With the sages of the past 

The best of life can never last 

Changes alone await for all 

We must respond to nature's call 

Perhaps 'tis best for these who've cross'd 

The mysterious line of deaths drear frost 

There are lives whose hearts are dead 

As withered grass whose green has fled. 



STP^LLA. 79 



And we know not which is best 

Whether life or death is rest 

And altho' we are sincere 

Nothing on this plane is clear 

Days and years pass grimly by 

In the end there is no tie 

On this earth that ere' is binding 

We are past the bliss of finding 

Any stationery love 

We look beyond and above- 
In a garrett desolate 
Dying Stella faces fate 
Which we all must face some day 
Death the body's great decay 
Sharing her last humble crust 
With a sick comrade who must 
On the self same highway pass 
Who goes to join the unknown class 
Of souls who pass beyond this life 
Souls who pass away from strife. 

Thus the lonely woman dies 

None to calm her dying cries 

Stella's moaning, choking gasp 

With consolation in her clasp 

To her sister dead she turns 

Thro' her veins the fever burns 

Twines the dead in her embrace 

Now death I can surely face 

Two dead women were found next day, 

Found in an attic at day break grey. 



80 SEAMAN BEN. 



One hundred entities am I 

And understand them all 

Good and bad! low and high 

Answer to my call. 

Should be the knowledge of every mind 

In whose mysteries we would find 

Knowledge wide and broad and deep 

Which we sacredly would keep 

Out from one ray is the whole 

Angel ! devil ! shadows the soul. 

July 8, 1895. 



SEAMAN BEN." 



A seafaring man, was big gruff Ben 

Faring the sea for fame 
A ship of his own is his dream and then 

He will w^ear a captain's name. 
Faces the sea in roughest storms. 

With song and laugh and cheer 
Facing danger in all forms 

Without one shade of fear. 
Compact and sm.ail is his snug little craft 

Manned by firm, strong men, 
Loves the breeze whose salty waft 

Means more than lake and fen. 
Ben has grown up from a rugged boy 

Close by the shores of the sea 
Loving the calm and storm with joy 

And quiet grov/ing glee. 
Wishing to come the day, when he can 



BEAMAN BEN. 81 



Ship on the briney waves 

Loving the thought past boyhood to man 
Not knowing the way that paves. 

One step in life up to the next 
Is made with effort so sad 

But which is the old, old text 
We ever expect to be glad 

By the next turn that comes to our life, 
Blindly we beat our way 

Over the billows with ignorant strife 
All will rise who may 

Breathe well and rise on the sea's wild crest 
Battling the wave and the wind. 

Harshest battles we know are best, 
Irrespective of their kind. 

Ben in his sailor's way jogs along plain, 
Happy and hearty and free 

As yet has known no sorrow nor pain 
His life is like the calm sea. 

Dreads not the storms of the winter's chill 
blast 
Thinks he the sun will e'er shine 

Always and ever upon his white mast 
Thinks he no cause to repine. 

Salty the sea breeze falls o'er his small boat 
Strengthening, firm and strong. 

Crafty the sharks in the ocean afloat 
Follow his wake along. 

Big Ben the joy of all on board 
Handsome, true and brave, 

Blue eyed — light haired — h3 can afford 
The titled god to save. 

Anchors his boat near the rocky coast 
Off from the English bay. 

All that know brave Ben can boast 
Of his good seamanship's way. 

Lands he in small boats on his native isle 



82 SEAMAN BEN 



Finds out the girls he adores. 

Tells he sea stories with many a smile — 
Tells how the ocean roars 

When out in the depths past sight of land. 
Tells of its deep treacherous pranks 
Carries away like grains of sand 
All within its ranks. 

Yet of its power I am not afraid 
Brave Ben cried unto his love 

If at bottom of sea I'm laid 
He'll see me from above. 

The cool driving breeze of the salt sea air 
Gave big Ben strength and health 

The oil cloth suit we see him wear 
And his boat comprised his wealth. 

Staunch as the timber in the little crafts' keel 
Is the heart of seaman Ben. 

True thro' hardest woe and weal 
One brave soul amongst all men. 

Sets he again with face out to the sea 
Braving the breakers so wild. 
Firm as a lion yet gently 
Loving as a child,^ 

Proud indeed of his bran new ship 
Manned by a hearty crew 

Every rise and falling dip 
Speaks that she is new 

Fine is the weather, light are their heart? 
As they steam out to the deep 

They've bid goodbye to their sweethearts 
With hopes that they will keep 

Freah in their memory the image of those 
Who love them more than they can tell 

Well for them they know not the woes 
There is in the ocean's swell. 

Happier than all is big hearted Ben. 



SEAMAiN liJL'is. 83 



Captain at last of his ship — 

Prouder than the peacock hen 
Ah ! but there's many a slip — 

Ben will come back to the one he loves 
After this first trips o'er 

Will make the nest for the pair of doves 
And be happy ever more, 

When he v^ill wed the lass of his choice 
Whose waited for him these years 

Alas — she will never hear his voice 
Only for her are tears. 

Proud Captain Ben on his steamship new 
Is fighting a storm to-night 

Dark is his eye with clouded view 
He is ready for the fight. 

Heavy his heart and blanched his cheek 
The storm cloud upon him burst 

Tearing his ship to atoms and weak 
As the sailor's crust — 

Beat the heart of the brave seaman Ben 
As she settled down in the foam. 

Yet brave to his post stands seaman Ben 
And goes down without a moan. 

Down in the trough of the stormy sea 
Ben with his hand on the wheel 

Faithful, firm and true, while we 
Only sorrow can feel. ' 

A seafaring man was big gruff Ben 
F'aring the sea for fame. 

A ship of his own was his dream and then 
Captain Ben his name. 

Many a tale does the calm sea tell 
Misery — woe and despair — 

Stories of deathless love as well 
As dying hopes so fair. 

Closes the stormy waves o're the big ship. 



84 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. 



Next day there's calm at sea. 

Never a trace as the waters sip 
The warm breeze from land and sea 

Years pass and only the story remains 
How big Ben sailed out to sea — 

Captain of his ship — whose gains 
He will meet in eternity. 

July 8, 1895. 



"JUDATH THE PROPHETESS/ 



A Hindoo maiden a Brahmen slave 

Forth to the world her wisdom gave 

Years before our Christ was born 

She knew the rose and the thorn. 

A priestess in her native land 

Held she the world's law in her hand 

Giving forth with childish faith 

The later laws we know which saith 

God is love and knowledge power 

Like a brilliant heavenly dower 

We know not very much more to-day 

Than they did in that past age far away. 

In material science for us no match 

In the science of soul they alone lift the latch 

To the door of the chamber of wisdom's deep hxwi; 

They were the race that fathomed the cause 

Of nature's development the quiet Hindoo 

First studied life and inwardly knew 

That soul and body were as far apart 

Divided like the lightning's dart 

Soul for spirit life, body for earth 



TUD4TIi THE PKOPHETESS. 85 



Nature's great good?\esa only gave birth 

To manifestation of spirit here. 

To make the unknown h^w more clear. 

The unknown realm is the sphere that's real 

The life we live we must needs feel 

Is not perfected because there's an end 

Which we find not in all nature's trend. 

The sun and stars and sky we know 

Have existed since times first flow 

The trees and grass, the land and sea 

Repeat their duties faithfully 

Which is not death, in some decay 

Which only lasts for one short day 

Sprouts the green leaves every spring 

Shows us alone in nature's ring 

We find the truth of all that lives 

Nature to her children gives, 

Are the words that Judath speaks 

In her heart their melting reeks. 

The love for her people who h.^r adore 

Prostrate before her to the floor 

Are the subjects around her throne 

She stands in her time alone 

The inner power that sways and yields 

Yet all with honest effort deals 

With their brethren— not understood 

Is the pound of flesh and blood. 

Judath the prophetess speaks these things 

Light and free as the bird whose wings 

Soars o'er mountain and on sea 

We should know that thought is free 

As wind and bird and light as air 

And can travel anywhere. 

Judath propesies unto her race 

Man will stand and firmly face 

All the secrets altho' now hidden 



86 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. 



It is only man who is bidden 

Seek and ye shall ever find 

Is the law for all mankind 

Years before we knew this message 

Judath spoke with mighty prestage 

The Hindoo race are of fine mold 

Remind one of the beaten gold. 

Whose essence is its strongest force, 

So the Hindoo is not coarse 

But the finest thought he gives 

In his bosom ever lives 

To gain Nirvana is his prayer 

And his sins are very rare 

A people who entirely bloom 

In the solitude of the tomb. 

Spake the prophetess — man shall thrive 

He is the only thing alive 

AV^hich will grasp and ever rule 

The elements in nature's school 

All unto his throne shall bow 

Only when he has learned how 

The unseen power to subjugate 

And 'tis coming slow by fate 

The birth of god's was well predicted 

The war of nation's who were evicted 

From their native lands so dear 

Judath the prophetess made very clear 

Prophesied new worlds to be found 

And gold be dug beneath the ground 

This day her twentieth year appeared 

P>eaiitiful was Judath and well reared 

Small of stature, slight of limb 

She knew naught of any whim 

Reared alone in silence deep 

The old tradition to faithfully keep 

To have a prophet in their flock 



JUDATR THE PROPHETESS. 



Was foundation and a rock 

To build upon a temple vast 

And dream forever it would last. 

Judatli to love must never yield 

Should she fall her fate is sealed. 

The power to prophesy will pass 

Unto another of her class 

Strong indeed must she guard her heart 

For love we know takes not a part 

Is not content without the whole 

Of the helpless struggling soul. 

When entangled in love's net 

Hopeless : we, our sun is set — 

Comes a youth one summer day 

Shining eyes and blithe and gay 

Lithe and light his easy swing 

In his voice the lover's ring. 

Meets Judath the prophetess — 

Promptly tells of his distress. 

That of love for her alone 

He would die without a moan 

In her lover's sweet embrace 

Judath drops her glowing face 

Melting eyes with love's bright ray 

Meets her lover's eyes of grey 

Ah ! the oak and ivy leaf 

Often twine for deepest grief. 

Judath cries for love I'll die 

To her outraged people's sigh. 

This last prophecy will I make 

Love shall live for love's own sake. 

Through all time in every race 

Animal, man and even space 

The very atoms of the air 

Ib attracted from their lair 

By the law of love alone 



88 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. 



Making one — unseen — unknown — 

Judath garbed in softest white 

Standing frail in the bright sunlight 

Prepared to meet the awful fate. 

Sad, O, sad to relate 

Burning in the fagots glare 

Judath's eyes with beauty rare 

Seeks in the crowd her lover's face 

Smiles with meek and winning grace 

Altho' I die, our love shall live 

Is the last message that I give 

Humanity yet will understand 

Love is the law in every land 

Pity 'twas there was no redress 

For J udath the prophetess, 

Judath piophetess thy wisdom to-day 

Is little understood by those who may 

Come to this knowledge in latter years 

After battles of life with storms and tears 

Conceited we grope on our way so blind 

Thinking the pearls we surely find 

Without dropping down our hand in the sea 

Away from the grosser self must we flee 

To reach the height which Judath gave 

O'er that early nation's grave. 

Her fate is only one of ail 

AVho studies closely nature's call. 

Their burnt with satire, sneer and scorn 

Every day of life a thorn 

Man with his intense selfish aim 

Keeps from himself a higher name. 

The true law of life must be lived outside 

The inner self: if not deep pride 

Settles in and takes possession 

We can say with true confession 

As superstitious are we to-day 



LAnAi'iAa JiM, 



As that nation far away 

By the law whose ignorant stress 

Burnt Judath, the prophetess. 

July 11. 1895. 



CANADIAN JIM, 



A story was told 

One drear winter's night 
The story was bold 

For Jim was a knight. 

Eou^i shod his shoes. 
And a coat of old fur, 

In fear he would lose 
The title of Sir. 

Some of the others 

In the old logging camp 
Nine of these brothers 

Noticed the damp. 

But Jim was the father, 
And all he said, went, 

The rest of them rather 
Begging be sent. 

Than to go contrary. 
To what Jim said. 

For alone he was wary, 

And then kept his head. 

In all kind of danger. 

Without much alarm, 

Yet he was no stranger 
To very great liarm. 



90 CANADIAN JIM. 



His aim as a hunter, 

Was deadly and stiaight, 
Jim ne'er was a griinter, 

And knew every bait 

That trapped the wild beast 
That roved Canada's wood, 

And the boys knew at least. 
That old Jim was good. 

He never spoke much, 

In fact was so still. 
The lads thought him such 

As hadn't much will. 

On old aged Jim, 

Thrust they many a laugh. 
Without a gruff whim. 

He took their light chaff. 

This night round the camp-fire. 
Ten men crouched around, 

Old Jim was the drier, 
Of all on the ground. 

As usual he nodded, 

With nothing to say. 

As he always had plodded 
Forty years and a day. 

Through the foothills and wild 
Of far western land. 

Since he was a child 

With no helping hand. 

To guide him no kindness, 
To help him, no joy, 

He ne'er had known happiness 
Since he was a boy. 



CANADIAN JIM. f*l 



To-night the boys laughing 
And joking with cheer 

In the loggers camp quaffing, 
Life's Inn without fear. 

With many a story, 

• And bright songs they sing, 
They tell in their glory, 



Merry, light liearted. 

Sing they to-night, 
Aside from them parted 

Sits Jim near the light. 

From the day bent, 

With hands round his knees, 
The joy of life lent 

To the wind and the trees. 

He heeds not their liveliness, 
Hears not their song. 

Feels not his own distress, 
Eyes fixed and long. 

Watches the burning pile. 

With dull despair. 
Watches with breaking smile, 

Dying embers there. 

Tell us a story, Jim. 

Please sir, to-night. 
Tell it with good old vim, . 

You have a right. 

We've never asked for one 

All summer long. 
Now you have had your run. 

We are the strong. 



1 Ai. 



Jim smiled and liunched a bit, 

Drew up his coat, 
Looked around v.'here lie would sit, 

While the story quote. 

Forty years to-night, my boys, 

I was a lad in Maine, 
Not brought up to many joys, 

V,'hich you might call gain. 

I wooed and won a pretty lass, 
Bessie Bruce her name, 

And it seems it came to pass. 
To our wedding came. 

A lad with murder in his heart 

Jealousy deep as hell, 
He was bound that we should part, 

Told his story well. 

I was the most unsuspecting, 
Kind of youth in them days, 

Thought the truth he was relating 
The way the story raised. 

In my heart a pile of hate, 
He said Bess wasn't true. 

And I said as sure as fate, 
I'd never cross her view. 

I had gone and wed the girl, 
But tkat night I rode away 

With my soul in awful whirl 
And I savagely would pay 

Some one to have wilfully killed, 

Bessie, I hated her so. 
But the devil nearly filled 

My heart with vicious woe. 




But to-night boys— I saw Bessie 
Standing there beside the fire 

Just the shadow of her mercy 
Is my secret hearts' desire. 



CANADIAN ./TINT. prj 



A ]u>t tear rolled down 

Jim's dry withered cheek, 

He fluttered and splashed around 
And then settled meek. 

Years passed the lad he died, 

On his death bed 
Constantly for Jim lie cried, 

Something in his head 

Bothered him night and day, 

He could not die. 
I went to him and — say — 

This was his sigh. 

Said that of Bess he'd lied, 

She was true as gold, 
But in his wretched pride 

To the devil sold. 

All that in him was good, 

In that lie that day, 
Wished then the maker would, 

Strike him down some way. 

He died that night, and I 

Set out for Bess, 
Down on my knees and cry, 

My sin confess. 

I found Bessie laid away 

Underneath the sod ; 
Two years, and now I pray 

Strike me dead ; Oh ! God. 

The very last words, she said, 

Was to tell Jim 
Heart broken — dead she laid. 

And for love of him. 



94 CANADIAN JIM. 



I have wandered since that time, 

Roamed these hills for years ; 
Although I've traveled many a clime f 

To-night shed my first tears. 

But to-night, Boys, I saw Bessie, 

Standing there beside the fire, 
And the shadow of her mercy 

Is my secret heart's desire. 

There she is my boys again, 

Don't you see her standing there? 

I'm young Jim to-night from Maine 

And with my sweetheart Bessie's fair. 

And she beckons me to stand, 

Stretches out her hand — says Jim 

I will lead you through the land 
And will lead you up to Him. 

And I'm going, boys; good-bye, 

Bess has come to me at last, 
With yearning arms and welcome cry 

Bessie dear our sorrows passed 

They buried him 'neath the Canadian snow, 
They said the old man's mind was frail. 

Over his grave the wild winds blow, 

With many a sigh and moan and wail. 

They tell the story in after years, 

Of how Jim died one winter night, 

They told he shed a few salt tears, 
But said Jim had died of fright. 

July 12, 1895. 



SPIRIT. 95 



'SPIRIT." 



Laying aside the thoughts of earth 

The spirit flies to future birth 

In uncheckered mental flight 

Independent of day or night. 

The unfettered soul can rapidly flee 

On the land or on the sea 

Out into eternal space 

Thro' the lines of all the race 

Into Egypt by the sea, 

Piercing into eternity. 

From earliest childhood the growth of soul 

Strives to reach the very goal 

That cannot here be attained 

Perhaps 'tis why we are retained 

Cycles on this plane below. 

The constellation to which we grow 

Stronger every day of life 

Is universal and without strife. 

Life in all atomic force 

Paves the way in truest course 

To the universal plan 

And epitomizes man. 

The smallest minute sand 

On the widening ocean strand 

Is manifest and strong 

And to various forms belong. 

And the smallest blade of grass 

In our very lives outclass. 

All the scientific truths 



Of) fePIRIT. 



AVhicli in nature ever proves 

That beyond our utmost grasp 

Which we vainly try to clasp 

Is the true life that is real 

And we deeply ever feel 

We can never understand 

That which seems so close at hand. 

Why does man forever pine 

Never to his life consign 

Quiet life or ere content 

Every step appears misspent 

And as every year has passed 

All the coming ones more massed 

With perplexities more dense 

He thinks to fight it with more sense 

Does he? time alone will tell 

The future throws its charming spell 

Over mind and man and plant 

And to say so is not cant. 

Out from all the past we gleam 

Not as if an unknown realm 

Had cast upon us passing lights 

They are real and living sights 

Perhaps 'tis why we grasp and groan 

And why we fight and fight and moan. 

The spirit life of most mankind 

Is dilTerent from material mind 

Man manifests upon two planes 

'Tis a world wide law that he maintains 

Man's spirit soars in unseen realms 

While the physical portion scarcely deems 

It necessary to move but slow 

And short the way it has to go 

From the cradle to the grave. 

Walked with cowardice or brave — 

When it takes a space of years 



.^.i'lKiT. 



With broken hopes and silent tears 

The spirit scans quick as thought 

Thousands of years are but as nought 

To the soul that is free from earth 

Deep understanding is as mirth 

To the soul that has crossed the line 

Seeking for the eternal mine. 

The knowledge of the passing races 

Comes at only various spaces 

Time with unconcealed delight . 

Renders the gleaning a desperate fight. 

The ever unfolding soul of man 

Thro' civilizaton's giant plan 

Has come out thro' the ages past 

As a strong ray of light which will always cast 

Reflection along the shores of time 

In touches of anguish, in touches of rhyme. 

War with its dark unholy cloud 

With terrible voice has cried aloud 

Left a trail of destruction black 

Left a mark of the chain and rack — 

While peace has left a shining ray 

Strong as the sun, night and day. 

Material elements are v^^ar and peace 

When their no more — Progression will cease. 

The element of material life 

E'en in quietude or strife 

Whether in man or plant or tree 

Is tuned in natura's harmonious key. 

Through the universe prevades 

As in all past decades 

Element of spirit force 

True to its directed course. 

All powerful yet to us unseen 

We cannot think of it a dream. 

Deep in the heart of man is burning 



OLIVIA. 



The wish for future life and yearning 

Is his intense soul 

For the rest and final goal 

Which we find not on this plane 

But hope we may obtain 

When we lay aside the thoughts of earth 

And the spirit flies to future birth. 

Feb. 25, 1895. 



OLIVIA.' 



Olivia firm and slow 
In the evening's darkening glow 
Treads the garden path in gloom 
Her face has lost its beauteous bloom 
Pale and shadow like she glides 
In her heart no peace abides 
Wild and glaring shines her eyes 
Piercing to the very skies 
Serpent like her weaving tread 
Waving to and fro her head 
Proud and haughty — defiant, sad — 
And her heart is raging mad. 

Slow and measured is her act 
Olivia has the utmost tact 
Yet with misery deep distres't 
And within her soul no rest 
Grasping with intense strength 
Life and love at any length 
Is her pleading piteous wail 
She stands now — without the veil 
'Tis the soul we see at last 
Ever to the curse is fast 
Groaning now in mute despair 
Oh, to rest — rest — anywhere. 




Groaning now in mute despair 
Oh ! to rest— rest— anywhere. 



OLIVIA. 



The curse upon her will ever ring 
Thro' her ears and ever cling 
On thro' time with sickening dread 
While she prays that she were dead. 
She has lived thro' all past ages 
She has knowledge of the sages 
Who have lived and passed away 
Thousands of years— and to-day- 
Olivia lives and cannot die 
That is her one wailing cry 
The curse upon her in a breath 
She lives a life of living death. 

Eaging is her awful mind 
Wild for rest she cannot find 
Knowing her soul is foul and black 
She can only see the hideous track 
And torture of her endless life 
Filled with agony and strife 
She sees her soul in a body clad 
Beauteous, v,'hich only drives her mad. 
The exquisite face and form she wears 
She could tear it into shreds as anger bears 
Its weight as it eats her heart away 
Suffering always night and day. 

We see her first in antiquity, 

In early Egypt by the sea 

A ruler's daugliter with command 

Over the nobles of the land. 

Gold and purple filmy lace — 

She is decked with wondrous grace 

Slaves to fan and cool her brow 

Slaves to guard and shield, and now— 

Arbadace her lover, brave and bold 

With bristling steed and armour of gold 

Awaits outside the columned portal — 

Olivia — indeed a happy mortal. 



100 OLIVIA. 



He is a descent of noble line, 
Of Egyptian kings, his profile fine . 
And deeply cut, dark flashing eye — 
Proud of bearing — the eagle's cry 
Like unto his soaring mind, 
In all of Jiigypt you cannot find 
One more firm cuid true and brave 
Than Arbadace, who lives not — save 
In the glamour of Olivia's love 
The unseen only who are above — 
Can understand and not repine 
Can understand — to love divine. 

Yet Olivia was cold and stern 
No divine spark in her heart could burn 
False to everj'^ thought express' d — 
Crafty — designing — and addressed 
All the power of her given mind 
Unto the lowest of her kind. 
Untrue to life, and love and nature 
Poured on the guilty creature 
Volumes of unseen wrath — 
There are suffering souls who hath 
Never known a peaceful dower 
In their lives one single hour. 

Arbadace thought her good and true 
Adored her as the very few 
Who place too high their heart's idol — 
Almost their frailness they extol 
Yet slumbering in his dark'ning face 
Was the madness of his race- 
As false to his love Olivia curs'd 
Oh her in wild torrents burst 
Thro' all years of coming time 
Thou wilt live and madly pine 
For the love which thou to-day 
Trample on and cast away. 



OLIVIA.. 101 



Thou wilt meet riie in every age — 

I will know thee as an open page 

Thou wiit know me from every other 

Youth; tliou wiit recoi^nize thy lover. 

By this sign I show to thee — 

An emblem of eternity. 

He uttered a low and shivering cry 

Thou and I shall never die — 

As I now this word repeat 

Thou' wilt hear in what ere retreat 

In the future thou canst find 

'Twill forever ring in thy raving mind. 

And thou wilt yearn for me and sigh 

As ages and ages pass thee by, 

Thy heart shall never find its rest 

Tho' wiit ever be in quest 

Of life, and love, calm and peace 

Thy heart's struggle shall never cease, 

Even to the end of time 

In any country — any clime — 

Shalt thou seek me finding never 

By the utmost stern endeavor 

On through time — time forever — 

No relenting — never — never. 

Lest indeed thou shouldst come to know 
Love divine in its god-like flow — 
Laying aside selfishness— greed — 
When thou hast learned to know the need 
Of truth and peace and humility, 
Thou wilt forever have gentility 
And beauty stamped upon thy face 
Every outward form of grace- 
But thou wilt know thy soul is black 
And that will be the very rack 
Thou will see thy soul alone 
To thee my curse is thus made known. 



102 OLIVIA. 



Which did not on Olivia rest 
With heavy thought or much distres't 
I am beautiful and young 
And will i^ass my life among 
Those who love me very much 
And whose faithfulness is such 
Which will keep from me all harm 
I've no need for much alarm 
Arbadace raved before he died 
Led too far by his own pride 
By love for his ruler's child 
Which indeed was very wild. 

Olivia cried I'll soon forget 
That he and I have ever met — 
This moment I think of me a king 
Of whose praise the nations sing, 
He shall then my lover be. 
That I am beautiful he will see 
And shall feel my strength and power 
Stronger than he, have I made cower 
By the depth of strong intent— 
That this shall be I'm firmly bent 
Festivities here sliall I commend 
And bid the distant king attend. 

So with many an art and smile 
And withal a little guile 
Olivia set about to win 
Counting as nothing any sin 
Which would bring him to- her feet 
Humbled from his high born seat. 
Clad in white and golden lace 
Bending now in winning grace 
Flushed — triumphant — sure almost 
The king loves me at any cost 
Arbadace's curse is nothing more 
Than a heart which was very sore. 



IM.l ^ I A. 1U3 

Out ill the night by the flowing Nile 
AVliere blooms the lotus many a mile 
The radiant moon its golden light 
Spreads with calm and glimmer bright 
Shadows the palms in the flowing stream 
Senuous in the moonlight gleam 
On the marble terrace tread 
Olivia and the king, whose head 
Towers above her — yet heart to heart 
She feels from him she cannot part. 
Love and life are in her hand 
She will rule queen of the land. 

Thus the trend of Olivia's mind 

She is yielding, sweet and kind — 

She bends and plucks a lotus stalk 

In her proud and stately walk, 

Out from the silence in the night 

She starts — and shrinks with av.-ful fright, 

A wailing, low and shivering cry 

Kings close to her side — now on high — 

Dying away on the distant air 

The curse — the curse — Arbiidace there 

The signal word of which he said 

Her eyes are starting from her head. 

She bends with fright and turns and sways — 

She is ghastly wiiite in the full moon's rays 

The king has heard the awful cry, 

She sees in his face, she need not try 

To understand it different. 

His look is fixed with wild intent 

Out toward where the unearthly groan 

Is dying away in an awful moan. 

The meaning of this — I see — 

Apparent is well khown to thee. 

From that night's mysterious ring 

Olivia never saw the king. 



104 OLIVIA. 



For his love she pined in secret 
In her heart a deep regret 
I have nothing now but strife 
All the luxuries of life 
Since that fatal night have fled. 
Fath er — m oth er — lover — dead , 
Th^ nation's loss is not to me 
Deeper than this misery. 
I'm doomed to live and never die 
I will yet gain courage by 
New device and will wage 
War with all my inner rage. 

The Egyptian nation passed away 

Buried 'neath its ancient clay 

The loves and hates of thousands of hearts 

Intrigues of war and blood which starts 

Channels of thought flowing along 

The lines of time like a weaving song. 

Shadows dark, and shadows light 

As breaking day and gathering night 

Intense wrath and quiet calm 

With serene heavenly balm. 

One decade has lightly passed 

For the next which will be classed, 

In Sparta by the Aegean Sea, 
Where lives a people light and free. 
There pursuits in this wondrcJlis clime 
Is art and love and even rhyme — 
The men and women of this race 
Are gods and goddesses whose grace 
Will live in all futurity — 
Free from much immunity. 
Of the envy which will follow — 
Coming races which are hollow 
To this god-like one compared 
By the God Zeus, it is cared. 



OLIVIA. 105 



Wandering by the pebbled shore 

A maiden reading ancient lore 

Sur'ound'd by a group of Grecian maids 

In whose minds wisdom grades 

Knowledge from their teacher wise — 

She with honest effort tries 

The oracles with sentiment 

Be understood with clear intent 

For unseen truth is ever yearning 

In her soul a strong fire burning 

A recluse now in foreign lands 

We see Olivia where she stands. 

In this life I'll surely know 
Peace and love as I learn and grow 
Though knowledge which I find expres't 
I think me now I will find rest, 
Xantus loves me yet his face 
Reminds me of the narrow space 
Between this and my own life passed 
And this misery is more massed, 
Upon my mind and heart and brain 
'"Tis a fearful deathless train — 
Following me these years and years 
Spite of all my burning tears. 

I yearn for quiet, love and peace 
When my struggling soul will cease 
Of, that I might be blest with death 
I am weary of this breath 
Called life: which means the least 
Of all thats real : O for the East, 
My childhood's native clime 
'Twas all but then sublime 
I cannot still this stifling hate 
Nor can I ever compensate 
Is the thought I have to-day 
Eight or wrong I cannot say. 



106 OLIVIA. 



In this life for the cruel wrongs 
Whose shadows are like binding thongs 
Which I did in that age gone by 
Arbadace's curse and quivering cry 
Has rung forever in mine ears 
All these long and hopeless years. 
Yet through Xantus' love I trust, 
To find p3ace and rest, and must 
Guard this secret carefully 
To all intent will cheerfully 
Bear an outward calm repose 
This bane I never will expose. 

Olivia was famed f^ir and near 
For her wondrous beauty and very dear 
Was she to Xantus the hero of Greece 
Renowned alike in war and peace. 
Loved indeed by young and old 
He led the hosts of Spartan's bold 
Against the Trogan's mighty men 
With honors from the battle — then 
At Olivia's shrine his trophies laid 
His heart and hand and proudly made 
His palace by the flowing tide 
To welcome home his lovely bride. 

Vv'^hat is this change in his face I see 

Me thought last night 'neath the Cypress tree 

A low and wailing sound I heard 

Again I thought it but a bird. 

In his eyes the look was strange 

I felt it covered all the range 

Of my life and wandering years 

Which are like so many sears. 

I seemed to see Arbadace's glance 

Pierce me like a sharpened lance, 

From out the eyes in Xantus' head 

Woe is me — I wish me dead. 



OLIVIA. 107 



I dare not meet that look again 

Which has brought to me this pain 

Me thinks perchance 'tis better lly 

Than hear again that deathless cry 

My Xuntus comes —Ah ! changed indeed 

I have surely every need 

To wish for courage firm and strong 

In my fear I may be wrong. 

I will not my thoughts confide 

But still rely on my nature's pride 

Smiling to her lover's bow 

Sad is the Greek Olivia, now— 

Olivia, the Spartan spoke 

What is this mysterious cloak 

Which seems to wrap thy thoughts in gloom 

It has distrest me— and I assume 

To think thou art troubled in thy mind, 

Of thy life thou hast confined, 

The utmost secrecy and yet. 

When unguarded thou hast let 

Forth some weird and strange like spee3h 

Wise and far beyond thy reach 

Of knowledge in this century gleamed 

From the an;;ient Egypt seemed. 

Ask me not. Olivia cried — 
Dost tho' not know I can scarce abide 
Thought of that land by the Red Sea. 
What unknown fate or destiny 
Has driven thee to ask those things? 
This land I love ; yon bird that sings 
Is no more happy and free than I, 
Who loves to sing and dreads to sigh. 
Thou speakest false, the Spartan cried, 
Tho' hast firmly, vainly tried 
From me thy secret to conceal 
But to thee I will reveal. 



108 OLIAaA. 



To my mind is now made clear 

Thou art haunted by a fear 

And thy soul is overtaken 

With heavy doubts thy heart is shaken. 

Thy beauteous form has,irom me vanished 

I wish from me thy sight could banish. 

Well mayest tha' writhe and moan 

I feel my heart has turned to stone, 

In its loathing hate toward thee 

An unknown change has come over me. 

A quivering, low and wailing cry 

Forth from his lips w^ith an awful sigh. 

Smote upon Olivia's ear 
Almost dumb with blinding fear 
Stricken she listens, cold with fright 
The fading and the calm twilight — 
The dying hope of a glorions dream 
Will live forever an expres'ed theme 
Shattered her hope of love andlDiiss 
Gone the hope of happiness 
Crouched and broken with mute despair 
Her wild cries ring in the eventide air 
In her dying lover's face 
She sees the Egyptian Arbadace. 

Raging then with bitter hate 

I will yet defy the fate 

Oast upon my heart to-day 

I will from this land away. 

A Roman where the Tibers flow 

Colors blue at even's glow 

A people strong and harsh and vain 

Their barbaric minds retain. 

Gleams of a life beyond this sphere 

A new Christ is living here 

Among the followers in his wake 

Olivia, tlie cross will take. 



OLIVIA. loa 



For her standard. of this time 
In a different western clime 
Love shall never cross my path 
I will cast upon it wrath. 
This God has given now to me 
Hope of calm eternity 
His teachings as I understand 
Are new unto this Pagan land. 
Few his followers, strong their faith 
His law is one that saith, 
If thy sin be black as night 
Repentance" will make it white. 

I find a peace o'er me steal 

That I ne'er before could feel 

I will cast from me aside 

All that seems as haughty pride 

I will humbly bow a knee 

To this faith, new it may be 

lie has said "to others do, 

As you would have them do to you." 

Which brings to my mind new thought 

Within me I feel strangely wrought. 

The Roman's clamour for his life 

Which he does not pass in strife. 

He teaches this present life as nought 

To the future one which will be sought 

By people for decades to come 

As the knowledge of life they vainly sura 

With years and years vain effort growing 

All good thought, good actions flowing 

He is poor and humble— meek— 

For reverence does not seek. 

He has been sent from another land 

Into this one to command 

The few who listen to his voice 

Even then they have their choice. 



IM) OLIVIA. 



Between the belief which he expresses 

Many a Roman he distresses, 

By his knowledge, Godlike, deep 

Away from "that twelve," I cannot keep 

To listen to him contents my heart, 

T could never bear to part 

From their wisdom which will grow 

Every day and learn to know 

Here if happy we would be 

We must learn humility 

Prophetic men his birth foretold 

And he will not touch even gold. 

High upon Mount Calvary 
Stands tall crosses there for three 
Olivia on the maddening throng 
Calmly watches from among 
A few whom she has taught to know 
The great truths and their wondrous flow 
Of peace and love when the soul is free 
From the sins of earth and their revelry, 
Saw the God-man, breathe his last 
Horror deep on her heart is cast. 
The picture of his death to-day 
Will never — never pass away, 

Olivia, cried, his law was truth 

His life and death a proof forsooth ; 

It will surely come to pass 

Few his followers we can class 

Nations yet will homage pay 

To the God who died this day 

I will journey on through years 

Blinded now by no more fears. 

In this age I have wisdom learned 

And peace for which my soul has yearned 

The Romans of the later age 

Allowed religious war to rage. 



OLlVl-l. Ill 



Between the older Pagan sect 
And the few of Christ's elect 
Into the Amphitheater's rin.g 
They the Christian believes fling 
Let the lions tear and eat 
Thinking it a glorious feat 
Barbarians thy highest prize 
Ne'er will penetrate the skies. 
Tht^ tottering Coliseum of Rome 
Honeycombed without a dome 
Stands to-day a parable 
Little tho' wert charitable. 

What is all the pomp to thee — 
A drop in the ocean of eternity 
All that has lived from out thy age 
Oh, Roman — is the small knowledge 
Gathered, gleaned and condensed 
For the following race to sense. 
And if possible to advance 
Altho' they may look askance 
Of all the periods of the east 
The Romish clan the very least 
To further all that's free and grand 
They are bound by self command. 

Fallen Rome, no more the pride 

Of the Adriatic's golden tide, 

Thy haughty, clamoring race is run 

Forever thy grasping day is done 

Great evils arose in thy empire 

Until at last burnt out by fire 

The history of thy later life 

Could only be wiped out by strife. 

The nations' in its last decay 

After a powerful lasting sway 

Where stood thy city in splendor proud 

Vesuvius' ashes is part its shroud. 



112 OLIVIA. 



Sighed Olivia as her way she wends 
On to tlie sea whose cool charm lends 
To her heart with grief distrest 
A quietude and calming rest 
That age has passed as but a day 
In the calendar of life and they 
Poor dupes of gold and greed 
Thought to live and never need 
Look beyond the present time 
Into that other glorious clime 
Where ther's no divided nation 
Passed this mortal habitation. 

Plain to my mind they dread to die 
Wishing to live always, while I 
Would give my life and yield it gladly 
The curse upon my heart rests sadly. 
To die is not the hardest task 
For life is much that wears the mask. 
I have known three nation's rise and fall 
Known there splendid glories, all — 
Yet would I pass their gold and glitter 
To lay aside my sorrow bitter 
For just one hour of my life 
To rid me of this inner strife. 

Arbadace's haunting face to me 

Is yet the depth of misery 

If I could but forget his look 

But where e'er I go, in whatever nook 

I cannot from him ever hide. 

His deathless trail, the ocean's tide 

Is not more true and strong and fierce 

Than a soul whose mind can pierce 

Straight to its directed aim 

No known hinderance will it frame 

I will suffer on and must 

Ketribution's law is just. 



OLIVIA. 113 



Time rolls on a western world 

A nation new stands unfurled 

In intellect standing high, and more 

Deeply versed in scientific lore 

They follow music, art and rhyme 

A noted people in their growing prime 

A race of free men who gladly hail 

Their motto of Liberty with avail 

Their studies in nature's secret mines 

Has brought them knowledge in various lines 

Thus thro' many years and lands 

Olivia lives and understands. 

That many ages pass in vain 
Before man knows the inner train 
Of life, its use and hidden meaning 
Every hour means mental gleaning, 
And we learn to be content 
When w^e learn development. 
Is the law whose unseen working 
In the seed of which is lurking 
All of nature's immense wealth 
Which we cannot have by stealth 
With honest thought we must pursue 
Our ordered lives and then be true. 

To every higher expressed thought 

Which brings the knowledge which is sought 

Reaching into higher spheres 

Attracts the thing which it endears 

This modern nation's keen desires 

Has brought to it which it aspires 

On tiie verge of discoveries vast 

Alas ! e'en this age cannot last 

Yet will leave its brightened ray 

Along the sweep of life's pathway 

An oasis in the desert saiid 

Is the birthright of this land. 



114 OLIVIA. 



Away from E^ypt her native shore 

Olivia hears the ocean's roar 

In this new world in the west 

Its activity and zest 

To her life a sweet charm lending 

As her lovely pathway trending 

On thro' years to another race 

To another decade in the lines of space. 

O, that we might in onr worshipful rapture 

Just one hour of that future life capture. 

They live with the sixth sense developed entire 

They are more than mortal and past desire. 

They have reached a high perfection 
They indeed a choice selection 
Of the previous nation's powers 
Peaceful mind their rightful dowers. 
They dwell and live with understanding 
Of Nature in its vast commanding 
Among theiQ is no rough confusion 
And they live not in seclusion. 
Instead of wasted strength and talk 
Silently in life they walk 
AVith them there's no day or night 
They read and know in the astral light. 

All their power of comprehension 
Is not wasted with intention 
All their energetic strength 
In its outward flowing length. 
Inwardly is firmly turned 
'Tis a wisdom they have learned 
We to day tliink not to save 
Any thing to hold the grave 
With its yawning deep abyss 
And the lost hope of happiness 
From us very far away 
What we court is death to-day. 



OLIVIA. 115 



A brief respite has Olivia gained 

Of the curse which has her spirit inained 

The later periods she has passed by 

She has escaped the deathless cry 

In this age, I'll persevere 

Olivia said altho' severe 

To perfect my sinking soul 

Alas the journey will condole 

Something to my sorrowing mind 

Thus in knowledge which I find 

Is the perfect law which leads 

Out to all our yearning needs. 

Olivia lives in youth perpetual 
Which is not like our life conditional 
Oh, that age should ever creep 
That we could escape that sleep 
Cast upon all life that breathes 
Which is animal, plant and trees 
Even 3arth and moss and rock 
Ah ! we need not laugh or mock 
All things die but spirit force 
Which ever lives in its true course 
The sun and moon and stars and air, 
Have ever lived and now beware. 

Of how we reckon materially 
For things of earth, ah ! verily, 
Come to an end which is decay 
While the soul of us the one bright ray 
Lives forever as sun and star 
Can see the past or look afar 
Into the future for those who solve 
In mysterious silence they evolve 
Matter changes ; spirit lives 
Unchanged is the law which gives 
To the seer his northern light 
Which sets the magnet needle right. 



lia OLIVIA. 



This wonderful age is a true example 

Of understood knowledge and very ample 

Is their breadth of intelligent mind 

They live quiet, firm and kind. 

They read of the age before them passed 

Barbarians indeed, is what there classed 

With their strife and mad endeavor 

To gain — to gain — and never — never 

For one moment realizing 

But forever are despising 

That for which this life was meant 

Their one vain cry atonement. 

No commerce in this peaceful age 

Disturbs their calm unblotted page 

They exist on the air and sun 

No greed of profit that day is done 

Nature has turned her smiling face 

To this sylph like spirit race 

For years and years she has only frowned 

And from the antique races ground 

One and all under her heel 

This age she loves and we can feel 

In the darkness of co-day 

A brighter light not far away. 

Olivia now surround'd by friends 

Ever her charming wisdom lends 

Soaring thought and bright discourse 

Ever flowing in its source 

Looked upon by old and young 

As the wisest now among 

Many who are now collected 

Wishing by her to be directed 

They know she has communed with those 

Who passed beyond at each century's close 

Spirits are as tangible to me 

As physical forms are to thee. 



U-UiViA. 117 



Olivia to her followers said, 

Be thou never then afraid 

If thou wish for such communion 

Join with intense strength and union 

Thy heart and mind beyond this sphere 

Past these things which seem most dear 

But withal a passing dream 

All things earthly but a gleam 

Of that other life and yonder 

While we vainly, idly ponder 

When we grow to understand 

We will reach that wished for land. 

Yet when Olivia is alone 
A sad and low and pitiful moan 
Breaks forth fro'm her weary heart 
To die — to die — and with a start 
Out in the darkness of earthly night 
Coming toward her robed in white 
Arbadace with pleading eyes 
Waiting for her soul's replies 
Forgive — forgive, my cursed pride 
Forf^ive — forgive, Arbadace cried. 
All these years I've yearned for thee 
Without which there is no eternity. 

Peace at last Olivia cried, 
Love and life she gently sighed 
Her arms around her lover winding 
One at last and forever binding 
Purified by life's distresses 
Perfection is which life expresses 
Olivia steps past mortal death 
Passed the need of physical breath 
Into the sphere she sought so long 
Where all is peace and rhyme and song 
Her soul as beautiful, white as a dove 
Radiant she meets her long lost love. 



118 THE HOUR THE SHADOWS GATHER. 



Some souls upon their last life here 
Are dark and withered even sere 
They cannot see the reason why 
Their soul is sick that is the cry 
They understand not any ray 
That lights them on their darkened way 
And some souls in their first life here 
Are made alone of spirit clear 
They sense and know and yet consign 
All that is — is just — divine — 
Perfection is the only goal 
Waiting for the struggling soul. 

March 13, 1895. 



'THE HOUR THE SHADOWS 
GATHER" 



The hour the shadows gather 

The restful time of day 
The time we dream and rather 

Wile the hour away. 
Rock and croon and ponder 

As the evening's glow 
Settles, and we wonder — 

Rocking to and fro. 

Wonder as tfie shadows fall 

Of the coming time 
Wishing that the future call 

Will be pleasing rhyme. 
Rock and croon and ponder 

As the shadows glide 
Night comes on like yonder 

Ebbing ocean tide. 



I LOVE iiii.j AxN D I HATE HIM. 119 



Eventide the shadows fall — 

Bringing calm and rest 
Eventide the shadows call 

Thoughts which are the best. 
Rock and croon and ponder 

As the shadows fall 
We but grow the fonder 

Of life's pleasures — all. 



April 7, 1895. 



I LOVE HIM AND I HATE HIM. 

LINES WRITTEN OX OF A FAMOUS CASE OF M. BERR- 
ILLION, FRENCH HYPNOTIST, 



I love him and I hate him 

And I suffer so I feel 
That my brain is turned to madness 

And my heart has turned to steel. 

I love him and I hate him 

And the day is turned to night 

And yet the hand that smote me 
Might easily make it light. 

I love him and I hate him 

All life seems broken now 

It was all mistaken measures 
By the breaking of a vow. 

I love him and I hate him 

The love will never die 
The hate has turned to wormwood 

All the good that's ever nigh. 



130 THE STRIVING, RESTLESS MUW OF MAN. 



I love him and I hate him, 

May my love forever live 
May the hate that I have felt for him 

Die, and then forgive. 

June 16, 1894. 



THE STRIVING, RESTLESS MIND 
OF MAN. 



The striving, restless mind of man 
Can not withstand the strain 

Oi progress' law, let be who can 
Rest, what will he gain. 

He will but glean from out the past 
Enough to make him strong 

In firm convictions to the last 
Of the injustice of the throng. 

The ever searching mind of man 
Will yet scale every height 

No law in the universal plan 
But will be in his might. 

So let the march forever be 

Onward forever on 
As the river winding toward the sea 

Till man and God be one. 



January 18, 1895. 



SOME DAY. 121 



SOME DAY. 



Some clay 
Some way 

All things will come out right. 
Some day 
Some way 

All our lives will have the light. 

Some day 
Some way 

Darkness will banished be- 
Some day 
Some way 

The end of struggles we shall see. 

Some day 
Some way 

Life's course will smoother glide. 
Some day 
Some way 

Loving peace will abide. 

June 16, 1894. 



122 SATURDAY NIGHT. 



SATURDAY NIGHT. 



Saturday night on the City's streets 
Sad faces are what we meet 
Sad from toil and sad from care 
Sad fi^om misery's constant wear 
Sad from grief and heart-aches deep 
Sad for want of rest and sleep ! 

Poor sad faces, Oh, how worn 

Heavy burdens are the thorn 

Faces which might happy be 

If only happiness they could see 

Scarce one face in all the throng 

But the world has judged so very wrong. 

(), the sadness of this life 
Written in faces with such strife 
Makes us feel the woe around us 
Makes us know the sadness, thus 
We should realize the cause 
And we never then would pause 

To do the good that we should do 
Unconscious whether we are true 
To the laws which man has made 
Or the heavenly law which said 
"Let ye unto others do 
As ye would be done unto." 

September 2, 1894. 



THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. 123 



THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. 



I love the midnight silent hour 
It's intense depth's a priceless dower 
It's quiet voice 
Gives me a choice 

Of nature's many moods. 

The midnight's gloomy silent hour 
Has strength to make the daylight cower 
From its dark'ning view 
As the shadows grew 

Toward daylight's breaking light. 

The midnight's ghostly silent hour 
Has in its element the power 
To throw its rays 
In wondrous ways 

On the brightening days that follow. 

January 1, 1895. 



124 THE DAUGHTER OF THE RAJAH. 

THE DAUGHTER OF THE RAJAH. 

LINES ON PICTURE ; BY PAUL SINIBALDL 



The pride of her race — 
In her brow and face — 
All sheen and lace — 

The daughter of the Rajah 

Stately and noble — 
No yielding or trouble — 
But pride or its double — 

The daughter of the Rajah. 

No false conformity — 
To form's deformity — 
Natural grace with unity — 
The daughter of the Rajah. 

Wild with haughty bearing — 
Her proud head rearing — 
To stooping never nearing — 
The daughter of the Rajah. 

In her veins the blood of nations 
Proud indeed of tijeir relations — 
With the ruler's of creations 
The daughter of the Rajah. 



December 27, 1894. 



SLEIGH-BELLS. ' 125 



SLEIGH-BELLS 



The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells, 

Hearts so glad, 

Hearts so sad, 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. 

The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells, 

Driving along 

With tune and song. 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. 

The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. 

Light and gay 

Night and day. 
The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. 

December 29, 1894. 



126 ON PILA'S PEAK. 



ON PILA'S PEAK. 

LINES TO R. L. STEVENSON. 



On Pila's Peak 
Is laid to sleep 

A mind whose very core 
Teemed full of strains 
Against all gains 

Which has poured out its lore. 

On Pila's Peak 
It will be bleak 

For those who are left behind 
But they will know 
As we learn and grow 

The good he did mankind. 

On Pila's Peak 

He will always speak 

In the language dumb of the dead 
Not less he lives 
Not less he gives 

Altho' the mountain be his bed. 

December 30, 1894 



HOW STRANGE. 127 



HOW STRANGE. 



How strange it is that we should find 
Such peace in all this world of strife 

How strange it is that to our mind 
This is a beautiful glorious life- 

How strange it is that peace should be 

Given to us unmeasured 
That it should be eternally 

The wish we had most treasured. 

In all this struggling world oppressed 

By strife in untold ways 
The truth stands perfectly confessed 

Peace attends our days. 

How strange it is that we have known 
Discord's destroying power . 

Known what it was to be alone 
Known to almost cower. 

Beneath the scorn of malicious thought 
'Neath envy's withering breath 

It was the trial harsh that brought 
Almost the wish for death. 



128 WILL SUMMEE SUN SHINE BRIGHT AGAIN. 

How strange — we know not why 
We go through misery's woe 

'Tis only when our tears are dry 
That unseen strength we know. 

How strange that it should be this life 

To know such Peace at last 
How strange the change mid all the strife 

How strange our lives are cast. 

July 16, 1894. 



WILL SUMMER bUN SHINE 
BRIGHT AGAIN ? 



Will summer sun shine bright again? 

Ah — no — no. 
The spring to woo the dreary cold would fain 

I know — I know. 
When the heart to love is dead 
The warmest sun may shed 
Where loving hearts have led 

Its rays — I know — I know. 

Will life mean anything again 

Ah — no — no. 
My soul is weighted down with pain 

I know — I know — 
But behind the clouds so dark 
With their heavy thundrous mark 
The brilliant sun shines — hark 
It's light — I know — I know. 

March 6, 1890. 



O, EVER SrRE\DING BLESSED LIGHT. 129 



O, EVER SPREADING BLESSED 
LIGHT. 



U, ever spreading Blessed Light, 
Whence comes thy radiant rays 

Filling space with so much might 
Lighting all our days. 

Oh, ever spreading Blessed Light 
From God's own hands benign 

Had we not thee as almost our right 
Our fate we might resign. 

Oh, ever spreading Blessed Light 

Encompassing all the earth 
From out our souls we have the sight 

To bless thee at our birth. 

January 4, 1886. 



I am studying and wondering 
And very deeply pondering 

On the mysteriousness of Life, Love and 
Death, 
And silently am thinking 
In meditation sinking 

Dreaming of the form of this life's breath. 



180 PEOGEEf^STON 



PROGRESSION. 



We cannot stay this wondrous tide 
Of progression's steadfast stride. 
Wavering darts like lightning's flash 
Heaving shocks like thunders crash 
Mighty rents as earthquak's gap 
Tracing o'er the earth's vast map. 
Then again with peaceful psalm 
Spreads a benediction calm 
Over parts of history's life 
Days of peace and days of strife 

Elsewhere than upon this plain 
Evolutes progression's train 
All that's life beneath the sea 
Teeming molecules earnestly, 
Pushing forth with best endeavor 
To their perfect end and never 
Wavering in their unseen force 
To their true directed course 
Beneath unfathomed ocean's depths 
AVorks the law in unknown crepts. 



HOGHE8SLON. 181 



The atomic forces of the air 
Breathe of knowledge everywhere 
Followers of mystic lore 
Quickly come to this and more 
See in everything the cause 
Never for one moment pause. 
Knowing that progressive thought 
With gold of earth cannot be bought 
Progression's act of the future may 
Perhaps be progression's thought to-day. 

June 25, 1895. 

What care I for form or address 
When my soul is steeped in sadness 
Life holds out for me no gladness 
For my heart is almost dead. 
All my life I've gladly given 
All the good in me and striven 
But have had deep misery riven 
In my soul and tired head 
Perhaps we never should complain 
But how can we dull remain 
To the truths which lives contain 
Ah ! that I were dead. 

July 15, 1894. 



182 THE POPPY. 



THE POPPY. 



Rich and rare thou scarlet beauty 

Thou speakest of the orient 
To love thee is our pleasant duty 

For thou I believe were heaven sent. 

Tho' speakest of the eastern breath 

Divine with rich perfume 
Sweet exotic : no thought of death 

Around thy fragrant life consume 

/■' 

Tho' brilliant, subtle, strong soul'd flower 
Of the dreamy orient tho' art a copy 

Sweet eastern essence is thy dower 
Intoxicating, passionate poppy. 

July «, 189^ 



SONG. 138 



SONG. 



Sad is the heart I carry to-night 

Thinking love of thee 
My suffering soul in awful plight 

Is in deep misery. 
Thy face is engraven in my heart 

Fixed forever there 
And our spirits ne'er will part 

Love is so rare. 

Life has much to make me glad 

Thinking love of thee 
Yet with all I am very sad 

You are away from me 
Shines the sun on sea and shore 

With a glowing ring 
My sad soul forever more 

To thine my love will cling. 

July 20, 1895. 



i84 . INDIVIDUALITY, 



INDIVIDUALITY." 



To live to please any one 

Is to part with your individuality 
Each life in its silent run 

Should be like a nationality. 
Battlements of firmest kind 
Built compact to stand, 
All the storms which it might find 

Throughout all the land. 
The truest life is lived outside 
Much of convention's form 
Free as the iiowing tide 

Yet not like the storm. 
No fierce nor wild desires 

Should we e'er yield 
Wishing for no empires 

But our own field. 

Guard our own life so well 

With outlook soibrave 

That a history we can tell 

This side of the grave. 

Never — never— weakly live 

All your life long 
Stand up and firmly give 

Forth something strong. 
Be not dictated by 
Every other mind, 



INDIVIDUALITY. 185. 



.fast start and only try 

Your own aim to find. 
You will find the path whioh Ipads 

On to your star 
As the shndow never heods 

The light which shines afar. 
And be not trampled on 

•By pretended friend or foe 
Mental battles easily won 

Is our deepest woe. 
But with eye fixed keen and kind 

Watch with earnest loving heart 
Live — that not the strongest mind 

With honor to yourself can part. 



July 18, 1895. 



186 SOCllATES. 



'SOCRATES." 



Thou wonderful mind of untold depth 

Socrates — sage of the east 
Thy thoughts expand and wrap in their w^ealth — 

Struggling minds at least. 

Thy mind encompass'd all that's known 

In the universe and man 
Can thank thee when his mind's outgrown 

Smallness as a ban. 

Depth of thought was as clear to thee 

As the water's glassy face 
Eeflection of thy soul is to me 

The greatest of tlie race. 

Thy name O! Socrates has in its wake 

Millions of men of mind 
Thy name O ! Socrates will ever make 

Better all mankind. 

December 29, 1894. 



JE VUU6 AIME. 13( 



-JE VOUS AIME," 



How sweet the words their tender meaning 
As sunshine on the dark earth streaming 
To all the world they are condoling 
To every heart, Ah ! how consoling 
Je vous Aime ! Je vous Aime ! 

Rank and pomp are laid aside 
Drifting with the flowing tide 
And the highest peak of fame 
Without love is any empty name 
Je vous Aime ! Je vous ime ! 

In those words we find our heaven 
'Tis the sacred number seven 
Without which nothing is complete 
Deep in our heart's retreat. 

Je vous Aimel Je vous Aime. 

May 10, 1895. 

APRIL. 



Blossoms forth in April's chill 

White violets pure and sweet 
Small green leaves wliose strong life fill 

Uur hearts with hope and greet 
Our heavy minds of winter days 

Tired, oppressed and sad 
With tidings of eternal rays 

All the earth seems glad. 



TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 



TO FREDERICK DOUCxLASS. 



Born to the pillar, whip and chains 

Born in the pen of slavery's pains 

Bound and tied, mind and hand 

At your time 'twas thus thro' out the land 

Surround'dby mid scenes. which made your heart 

Shrink and quiver with anguish smart 

Cow'd and mained thro' many years 

With silent hopes and burning tears 

The burdens of your race you felt. 

In misery deep you faithfully knelt 

By their side and thro' your light 

Made for them a pathway bright. 



You were the Christ of your dark race 
How many will think of your noble face 
Until their lives shall pass away 
Into the land where all is day. 
You understood your life work well 
The good of it all the w orld can tell 
Out from the pillar, whip and chains 
They could only bind in material gains. 
The soaring spirit could not be bound 
Nor tied, or beaten or even ground. 
Thy spirit broke thro' all the lines 
Strong and bright as the sun that shines. 

March 4. 1895. 



LIFE. 139 



"LIFE." 



Our lives are of no more account 

Than wind-swept leaf from off the trees. 

One million lives no more amount 

Than breaker's foam on stormy seas. 

And yet we count the little span 

Limited with early joy 
The end of all, while man 

Is nothing but an aimless toy. 

We only grasp, but never keep, 

That which life holds out as best. 

Life is a dream whose deepest sleep 
Is our ever welcome guest. 

And so the seas and winds and leaves 
Sing their requiem o'er the dead. 

Of ages past man only grieves 

In his dumb unknowing tread. 

May 19, 1895. 



140 WHY IS THE SOUL 0FTIME8 SO SAD. 



WHY IS THE SOUL (3FTIMES SO 
SAD? 



Why is the soul oftimes so sad? 
Yearning — defiant — almost mad 
An undefined craving smites the heart 
In which gladness has no part. 

Silent, sad, deep meditation 
Casts a shadow, whose relation 
Like a clond heavy and dark 
Leaves ii dense trail as a mark. 

Our lives pass on like clouds indeed 
Light and dark w^e surely need 
To understand each passing hour 
Not to fiinch or falsely cower. 

From the dark as with the light 

Let it be an equal fight 

Bravely face the darkest day 

As the one which has the brightest ray. 

March 10, 1895. 



THE DKIZZLING, DLlirTING IIAIN. 141 



THE DRIZZLING, DRIPPING RAIN. 



The drizzling, dripping rain 
Beats againt my window pane 
Gloom and sadness fill the air 
Heavj' hearts are every where. 

Looking on a chilly street 

From my casement window, meet 

Every form of active life 

No quiet ease, but awful strife. 

Drizzling, dripping is the rain 
Cooling now my tired brain 
Brings a melJow, saddening rest — 
Rainy days are sometimes best. 

Slowly falls the drops of rain 
Brings a quiet which is gain 
An unseen hour of happiness 
Bordering on eternal bliss. 

Let the drizzling, dripping rain 
Sing a soothing, sweet refrain 
Let the drizzling, dripping rain 
Calm the hearts of heavy pain. 



April 6, 1895. 



142 I LONG TO HEAE THE OEGAN PEAL. 



I LONG TO HEAR THE ORGAN 
PEAL. 



I long to hear the organ peal 

As Christmas time draws near 

I long to with the others kneel ' 
To the prayer that is so dear. 

I long to dream with the music strain 
Of the Christ born on that day, 

Of the trials deep and the heavy pain 
Passed thro' on his lonely way. 

1 long to hear the organ peal 

Out the strains so grand yet sad 

From out the melody I will feel 
Patience love — yet glad. 

I long to hear the organ peal 

Out to hearts who can 
Understand the heavenly seal, 

"Peace on earth to man." 

December 25, 1894. 



ALL ALONE. 143 



ALL ALONE. 



All alone the sad soul wanders 
Thro' this weary world of woe 

On the thought the spirit ponders 
Which the better way to go. 

Better take the gilded roadway 

Strewn with roses and with thorns, 

Or to trod the narrow pathway 

Soothe the sad soul as it mourns. 

All alone the sad soul struggles 

All alone the sad soul strays 
All alone in all its troubles 

All alone in all its ways. 

All alone without one kind word 

To cheer the soul, unknown— unknown 

All alone it walks unheard 
To the end — alone — alone, 

June 25. 1894. 



144 - MAGDALENE. 



MAGDALENE. 



PleadingHeyes 
Pathetic face 

Craving pity and love. 
Forgive ! O Lord ; 
Is the cry that goes 

Up to the Father above. 

My life, Oh Lord ! 
Had many woes 

Had many strong temptations 
But thy sweet face 
Shines out to me 

In all my contemplations. 

Forgiving mercy 
Is the boom 

That all sinners crave 
Then let us all 
In Jesus name 

Forgive— if we would save. 



June 1, 1894. 



HE WHO SAYS THERE IS NO GOD. 145 



HE WHO SAYS THERE IS NO GOD. 



He who says there is no God 

Has yet to see the flowers bloom 

He who says, there is no God 

His life will pass in deepest gloom. 

He who feels no God divine 

Nev^er feels the inner peace 
For him the sun will never shine 

For him the struggles never cease. 

He who knows no spirit life 

His senses are encumbered 
With the element of strife 
And his peaceful days are numbered. 

He who says there is no God 

With nature has no union. 
He who says there is no God 

Has not reached divine communion. 

August 7, 1894. 



146 INDE PENDENCE. 



INDEPENDENCE. 



Independence should mean to man 
Freedom of thought and act, and can 
Man be free surround by strife 
Poverty — misery — and wretched life 
With chance to live and learn and soar 
Snatched from out his heart's core 
Taken from his very clasp 
Which he vainly tries to grasp 
Working up to which should be 
His birthright to eternity. 

Independence is but a dream 

We know it only as a screen 

Thro' which myriads of broken lives 

Weakly follow and vainly strives 

To reach and thinking to retain 

Count not the loss, see but the gain 

'Tis as far away to-day from man 

As it was when first the world began. 

As the "will o' the wisp" whose ghostly light 

Leads on and on thro' greater fight. 



ALONE. 147 



ALONE. 



Alone ! alone ! will it always last 
Will it always be the unhappy past 
Will never the sun shine bright for me 
Shall I quiet happiness never see? 

Will there never be any love for me? 
Will painful memories ne'er be free? 
Will misunderstanding's wily chance 
Forever rule all circumstance? 

Alone! alone! will it always be? 
No end to the darkness can I see 
Oh, God, that I might come to thee 
Alone ! alone ! at last be free. 

July 9th, 1894. 



i48 SUMMER'S LOVELY SEASON. 



SUMMER'S LOVELY SEASON. 



Ill the summer's lovely season 
There is not the slightest reason 
AVhy we should act with treason 
Toward ourselves in any w^ay. 

We are ahvays in a fluster 
Not content unless we cluster 
Not strength enough to muster 

Courage which would make us gay. 

Groan of heat enough to madden 
Talk of heat enough to sadden 
Talk of nothing that will gladden 
Any body miles around. 

Never take a spell of resting 
But forever vain requesting 
Never think of lightly jesting 
Making misery company. 

Why not face it with decision 

Adding just the least percision 

We would not then bring derision 
On our weakly humbled heads. 

July 9, 1894. 



TIRED SPIRIT. 140 



TIRED SPIRIT. 



Tired spirit ! fagged and worn 

With life's heavy cares 
The weary burden thou hast borne 

Ends not e'en with thy prayers. 

Forever striving against fate 

With hope dulled in thy breast 

Wishing before it is too late 

That thou mayst find some rest. 

Some rest whilst on this earth 

Some sunshine here 
Dark it has been since thy birth 

No light was near. 

Wishing in vain for peace and love 
Wishing in vain request 

Tired spirit alone — above 
Thou canst only rest. 



June 15, 1894. 



150 THE CONCERT HALL SINGER. 



THE CONCERT HALL SINGER, 



In a concert hall on Saturday nighty 
Where right was wrong and all wrong right 
A girl came out to sing her part 
You might not have thought she had a heart. 

By the tawdry trappings that she wore 
You noticed the moment you entered the door 
But her face was wan and thin and pale 
Her form delicate, pinched and frail 

She sang her part in a heartless way 

The men who listened had their say 

As to her voice and spirit and song 

They jested and laughed at her all night long. 

She sang her song with an aching heart 
And a voice that would make you start 
Av.nd feel as if somewhere in your mind 
She was near you in kin or kind. 

Why was it she looked so sad 
Because at home there lay half mad 
He, who she had loved more than her life 
Sighing for life with a fearful strife. 

She was deaf to the jests and jeers of those 
Who laughed and listened then half 2hose 
To throw a glance or two at her scanty dress 
They threw on her heart only more distress. 



THE CONCERT HALL SINGER. 151 



O God ! that a soul should come to this 
Without a ray of happiness 
The little she earned in that slavish nii^ht 
Was buying bread with which to fight — 

The wolf of hunger at the door 
Of the sick on the bare floor 
O why can not the eye of man 
Descern the false and not condemn — 

The unfortunate poor in their suffering wild 
Sad and weak yet very mild. 
God pity her! he alone can save 
Man will help her to the grave. ' 

By his vulgar appetite 
Like a beast in his very might 
Pity at least should sometimes fall 
On the singing girl in a Concert Hall. 

January 14, 1895. 



152 TRIALS. 



TRIALS. 



Passing thro' life's sterner moments 

Pave the way for future calm 
When the pathway's thickest torments 

Bruise us, they are but the after balm. 

When life sorrow's press .the hardest 

It is drawing out the gold 
When heaven seems the very farthest 

Wisdom's flowing in the mould. 

Passing thro' life's many trials 

Brings out the better part of all 

Passing on without denials 

Would not necessiate our call. 

Into the land where there's no cloud 
To mar the heart so tired of strife 

No sorrows to make us cry aloud 
Into the land where rest is life. 

December 29, 1894. 



REST OF SONG. ]53 



REST OF SONG. 



Happy and free 
Are those we see 

That can soar away in the realm of song. 
Light as^air 
Away from care 

Dropping the burden all day long. 

Happy and gay 
Indeed are they 

Who forget the world in that realm of bliss. 
Away in song 
Resting among 

Those who know sweet happiness. 

Happy and light 
Day and night 

Away in the restful vale of song 
Forgetting all sorrow 
No thought of to-morrow 

Alone, away from the hurrying throng. 

December 27, 1894. 



154 WHY DOER YOUR FACE HAUNT ME SO. 



WHY DOES YOUR FACE HAUNT 
ME SO? 



Why does your face haunt me so 

With thousands of thoughts that come and go 

Thro' my brain '; 

Like a train 
Of myriads of untold things? 

Why does your face speak to me 

Of a southern home which I seem to see 

Surround' by friends 

Whose kind love lends 
A charm to my inmost mind? 

Why does your face bring before my eyes 
Pictures of people fine and wise 

Calm and content 

Sweetly intent 
And a quieting southern clime? 

What does your face bring to my mind? 
A nature lofty, proud and kind 

Gracious and free 

Broad as the sea 
Yet love beaming brightly thro. 

Why does your face haunt me so 
Because I seem to feel and know 

Your inner soul 

E'en to the goal 
Of all your spirits' knowledge. 

December 23, 1894. 



CRIED THE CROW. 155 



'CRIED THE CROW." 



There's a shadow on my soul 

Cried the crow 

Cried the crow 
And I am black as coal 

Cried the crow 
Ah ! what would I not give 
If a white bird I could live 

Cried the crow 

Cried the crow 

Cried tlie crow. 

And I hate this beak of mine • 

Croaked the crow 

Croaked the crow 
It might have been more line 

Croaked the crow 
And this ungainly walk 
Tis' no better than a stalk 

Croaked the crow . 

Croaked the crow 

Croaked the crow. 

And my feathers are a sight 

Cried the crow 

Cried the crow 
I'm in an awful plight 

Cried the crow 
I will never have renown 
For the world is upside down 

Cried the crow 

Cried the crow 

Cried the crow. 

July 14, 1895. 



156 A^^ EMPTY NEm\ 



AN EMPTY NEST. 



An empty little chippy's nest 

Neglected on the ground 
Wet and raggled at its best 

Was the condition it was found. 

Traces of work and love and care 

Thoughts and careful plans 
Built compact with hay and hair 

Heeding well the storm's commands. 

That little empty chippy's nest 

Speaks volumes to us all 
So it will be when we rest 

When we receive our call. 

All we leave behind us here 

Will be like the chippy's nest / 

Traces only and a tear 

And not that without request. 

All our work and futile care 

Empty and upon the ground 
Only for the immortal rare 
Will the empty nest be found. 

July 1st, 1894. 



SILENCE. 157 



SILENCE. 



Silence is sacred 

When we learn what silence means 
When we know that silence screens 

The soul of mortal. 

Silence is sacred 

In tlie deep solitude of night 

Then is nature in its might 
Of eternal sleepless work. 

Silence is sacred 

The soul's deep eloquence of love 

Understands it from above 
By divine communion. 

Silence is sacred 

By silence our life is worked out best 
Bringing no nearer to mysteries rest 

Eternity is silence. 

June 20. 1894. 



158 SCORN. 



SCORN. 



The finger of scoi'ii is pointed at me 
Whether on land or on sea 

The whole world seems to have turned to gloom 
The flower of my life that might have had bloom. 

I am like an outcast, alone I stand 
I feel within me I am on the strand 
Between a gulf so black and deep 
And a rift of light I would ask to keep. 

The gulf so black and deep and sere 

Is the world with its sin and no place clear 

The rift of light which smiles at me 

Is the heaven beyond which I seem to see. 

So I pray that the dark will soon pass away 
That I may see the shining day 
Where scorn and its accompanying death deal- 
ing sting 

Will forever fail in my heart to ring. 

January 20, 1895. 



THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES. 159 



THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES. 



Oh! the music of the spheres 
Charm our heart soothe our fears 
As we listen to the wind 
Oft it whispers to our mind. 
And around oar hearts entwine 
Untold harmony devine. 

Oh ! the music of the spheres 
To our utmost soul endears 
All that grows and blossoms sweet 
To our intense nature's greet 
All that's loving, mild and calm 
Like unto eternal balm. 

Oh ! the music of the spheres 
The spirit only hears 
And its rapturous element 
Silent in its deep intent 
Godlike in the darkest day, 
Godlike in its every ray. 

March 6, 1895. 



160 WHEN THE DEAD LEAVES FALL. 



WHEN THE DEAD LEAVES FALL. 



When the dead leaves fall 

When the dead leaves fall 

Bringing visions of nearing death's stern recall 

Myriads of leaves, like myriads of lives 

Whirling and turning, and rebelliously strives 

Against the fate which sweeps them all 

As the dead leaves fall 

As the dead leaves fall. 

As the dead leaves fall 
As the dead leaves fall 
A grant leaf sinks to its sephulcral hall 
Like a great soul gone out into the night 
Alone yet noble was the sudden plight 
Lives and leaves die — great and small 
As the dead leaves fall 
As the dead leaves fall. 

As the dead leaves fall 

As the dead leaves fall 

How soothing will be our summons or call 

From whirling tempests cold and bleak 

Storms of the world which we never seek 

Into the rest land waiting for all 

As the dead leaves fall 

As the dead leaves fall. 

October 12, 1895. 



AT LAST. 101 



AT LAST. 



At last, dear hearts after all these years 
After vain regrets and bitter tears, 
After broken hearts and wounds whose sears 
We thought would always last. 

At last, dear heart me meet again, 
No traces of the past remain 
Of tlie lonely years and the sad retrain 
Which our love had cast on our lives. 

At last, dear heart the sun doth shine 
At last, no cause that we repine. 
Our love still blooms as a thing divine. 
At last, dear heart, at last- 

' At last, dear heart we have met to love 
Broken we've been like the lonely dove. 
I love you dear, as he above, 
At last, dear heart— at last. 

July aC), 1894, 



162 EIGHTS OF MAN. 



RIGHTS OF MAN. 



By Right of Nature, man should liave a life , 
Which Nature never intended should be strife 
A life where intellectual thought should be 
First as the growth of a young tree. 

All branches which are knowledge, should be 

cared 
And carefully guarded and not roughly bared 
The struggles with which man's life is surround' 
Is the element which drags man to the ground. 

The mind of man can never scale the heights 
Of knowledge, which by nature are his rights 
Until oppression has been laid aside 
Only then can Peace indeed abide. 

'Twas never meant that man should starve the 

mind 
In order that the few might better grind 
The intelligence that should be man's alone 
To battle with, and he would never moan. 

The "Rights of man" should be that he should 

live 
In Nature's Peace that he mighx: faithfully give 
Full scope to his intelligence to play 
The "Rights of Man" mean having "Peaceful 

Day." 

December 1, 1894. 



INDEPENDENCE. 1G3 



INDEPENDENCE. 
(Continued from page 146.) 



Man cannot perfect man made laws 

Nor perfect the lines in justice cause 

Until the element of strife 

Is wiped forever from out his life 

The struggles sink on man like a cloud 

From which his soul cries out aloud 

In rebellion strong and stern 

The bitter lesson he yet must learn 

That true independence has not l)een taught 

Its meaning is to him as naught. 

Independence means to us nothing as vet 
The truth of the word we can only get 
By looking into the future's glass 
Perchance when hundreds of years shall pass 
The mind of man shall climb to the heights 
Of unlimited intelligence which are his rights. 
The laws will not bind him body or soul 
'Twill be for him to reach the goal 
Of knowledge — and then alone 
The truth of independence will be known. 

March 4, 1895. 



164 ^AUTUMN. 



AUTUMN, 



The first touch of Autumn is falling on the hills 
All along the forests and very near the rills. 
The first blue haze of Indian summer time 
Touches all the woodland in almost perfect 
rliyme. 

The first tinge of yellow is falling on the trees 
The balmy air of Autumn you can feel in every 

breeze 
The dry sweet air that hovers o'er the dale 
Autumn's warning note over hill and vale. 

'Tis sad to part with summer's ripe sweets 
And yet how lovingly the Autumn winds it greets 
We could learn a lesson as the summer disappears 
To greet our coming Autumn with smiles instead 
of tears. 

To greet our own life's Autumn as the summer 

greets the fall — 
With quietude and broad expanse of untold love 

toward all 
Greet it as the summer skies greet the purple 

hue 
Greet it as the summer's eve greets the Tyrean 

blue. 

August 7, 1894, 



ALO^E. 105 



ALONE. 



Alone! alone, the sad soul sighinj.; 
Faith in human hearts is dying 
For love tlie soul is ever crying 
Alone! alone; the sad soul sighing. 

Alone ! alone ; the sad soul weeping 
Nearer the end we know is creeping 
Love and happiness ever sleeping 
Alone ! alone ! the sad soul weeping. 

Alone! alone! the sad soul dying 
Altho' surround' by friends untiring 
No love in all its life transpiring 
Alone ! alone ! the sad soul dying. 

June 26, 1894. 



DEAR OLD HOME. 



Nowhere in this world is the sky so near 
Nowhere in this world are the stars so clear 
Nowhere in this world is life so dear 
As my dear old country home upon the hill. 

Nowhere in this world is loves echo so sweet 
Nowhere in this world do I love's echo greet 
Nowhere in this world do I Nature's grandeur 

meet 
As my dear old country home upon the hill. 

January 25, 1895. 



1G6 DEAJ) LEAVES= 



DEAD LEAVES. 



One by one the dead leaves drorpinsr, dropping 

sadly on the ground, 
One by one our lives are numbered, numbered 

that w^e may be found 
After our pilgrimage of life, as the leaf has its 

time 
So our future lives will be found in perfect 

rhyme. 

One by one the dead leaves dropping, dropping 

from their noble height, 
One by one man's life is ended, ended as a 

shadowy myth. 
Man and leaf there's not much difference in the 

element of life 
Man and leaf when ail is o'er returns forever 

away from strife. 

September 10, 1894. 



THE CHUliGH BELLS IN THE VALLEY. 167 



THE CHURCH BELLS IN THE 
VALLEY. 



The hells in the valley church are ringing, ringing 
The birds in the valley are siiigiDg, singing, 
jS'ature in the valley is bringing, bringing 
Love unto the weary hearts of man. 

The stream by the valley church is Hovving, 

flowing, 
The wild flowers in the valley are growing, 

growing, 
The quiet haunts of nature knowing, knowing. 
More peace tlian greatest wealth untold can give. 

The peoi)lein the valley are living, living, 
Quietly away from strife and giving, giving. 
Charity of thought to all and bidding, bidding 
Love and peace to all their fellow men. 

The church bells in the valley are pealing, pealing 

The worshippers in the valley church are kneel- 
ing, kneeling, 

With the people in the valley, God is dealing, 
dealing. 

Love and peace and quiet unto all. 

June 23, 1894. 



168 TIRED SOUL. 



TIRED SOUL. 



The soul sfrows so tired of this strife all along 
Would it not be better if we were among 
Those who are free from life and care 
Without the need of toil or care, 
Unchained from what we term as earth, 
Perhaps 'twere better had we no birth. 

The soul grows so tired of this world's weary 

ways 
Would it not. be as well if the end of our days 
Had arrived and we as the bird on the wing 
Would forever soar and forever sing, 
Unfettered from all that chains us here 
Soaring aloft where all must be clear. 

The soul grows so tired of its bondage so sad 
At times it seems it almost makes us mad 
Hounded on by cares that are so galling 
Hounded on by sorrows so appalling. 
The bright side of life soon looses all its charm 
And all that is left is all that is harm. 



MY HOUL THOU ART. :i)3 



The soul ^rows so tired of all of life's plef>snrn 

Nothing it yields is to us any treasure 

Quiet meditation is all that is balm 

Back into nature is where we find calm 

All fame or fortune's path is disappointments day 

Only after life is o'er comes the bright ray. 

January 19, 1895. 



MY SOUL THOU ART (Song). 



My soul thou art, of me my love a part. 
I love thee dear with all my heart 
My love for thee is divine 
All earthly things I would resign. 

cnoRUs, 

My soul thou art ! I love thee dear 
I feel thy sweet presence near 
I feel thee love, so near my heart 
My soul thou art! my soul thou art. 

My soul thou art, I love but thee 
I know your face I'll sometime see 
My love for thee will never die 
My soul thou art, that is my cry. 

September 2, 1894. 



170 NOTHING BETW'N US NOW DEAK BUT REGl^ET. 



NOTHING BETWEEN US NOW 
DEAR BUT REGRET. 



Nothing between us now, dear but regret, 
All the anger past since last we met, 
Nothing but fond love remains at last 
Harsh Thoughts of hot youth are of the past. 
One kind thought from thee is life to me 
Tho' your face I never more may see. 

Nothing between us now dear heart, but regret 
Wishing the fates had willed, that we had met 
And loved and joined our hearts when young 
That we might have pass'd our life among 
Scenes that love alone beget — 
Nothing between us now dear heart, but regret. 

May 7, 1894. 

Silently grieving Oh ! hoM'^ the hearts ache 
Silently grieving Oh ! how the hearts break. 
Dumb and mournful with mute resignation 
From earthly sorrow there's no emancipation. 



WHY ! WHEN THE MOON'S RAYS SHINE. 171 



WHY! WHEN THE MOON'S RAYS 
SHINE. 



Why I when the moon shines on our faces 

Are we lifted away from the world, with scarce 

traces 
Of thought on this immediate plain. 
Dreamy and happy wishing again 
To be transported to the realms around 
The cloud land of ether which seem to bound 
Our vision, but sometime we seem to see 
Away into almost eternity. 

Why, when the moon shines in our eyes 
AVe almost feel inwardly wise 
Surmounting all difficult logic and science 
Happily contemplating with self reliance, 
On the world beyond the moonlit trail 
As if we could pierce beyond the veil 
With its imperial starlit skies 
When the moon's rays shine in our eyes. 

December 29, 1894. 



172 ^ THE V/OUNDED HEART, 



THE WOUNDED HEART. 



I have carried a wounded heart these many years 
Covered with hardened marks whose very sears 
Have burned into my life 
Deep misery and strife 

But the touch of Love has made it new again. 

I have carried a wounded heart whose breaking 

striiigs 
Seemed the echo of deep sadness in all things 
Human power could not reach 
Nor deep experience teach 
Yet the touch of Love has made it new again. 

September 10, 1894. 



The sky hangs low in mists of gray 
The tall trees bend and nod and sway 
To and fro the branches swaying 
The elements v/ith the earth is playing 
Sweeps the rain in blinding sheets 
The rainy day my sad heart greets. 



THE FALSENESS OF FORM. 173 



THE FALSENESS OF FORM. 



The falseness of form in civilization, 
Is so far from nature's quiet mediation 
The mind is upset by so much elation 

We cannot do the work that we should do. 

We should not be pitched to such a steep grad- 
ation 
Our lives should be passed in a quiet station, 
But for heavy strife, we are a noted nation 

And we're bound to worship at the shrine of 
form. 

Although we understand its all exaction 
For our lives we cannot make the least retraction 
We are not content without a strong attraction 
We are still the temple worshippers of Form. 

If we would but follow Nature's sweet relation 
With our lives in its minutest explanation 
We would find success with the greater exhalta- 
tion 
And be happy in our freedom, without Form. 

June 15, 1894. 



174 A WILD EOSE ON A "LA FEANCE. 



A WILD ROSE ON A "LA FEANCE." 



A wild rose grew on a "La France" bush 

In j^pite of all arts beguiling 
It vvuuld not comply with the w^orld's wild rush 

Towards cultivation's snare so smiling. 

It would take you back to primitive thought 
Although you would resist untiring 

No matter how the knowledge was bought 
You could not resist aspiring. 

The thought remains that the cultivator's art 

Must always remain very trying 
That Nature and the cultivator would very easily 
part 

Long before the rose thought of dying. 

July 6, 1894. 



THE BROKEN DOWN RACE. - 175 



THE HROKRN DOWN RACE. 



There is a race of people upon this earth 
Which v,'e never hear of with any mirth 

The broken down race 

The broken down race 
'Tis comprised of people of every degree 
High and low, and sad to see. 

The broken down race 

The broken down race. 

Men and women who were rich and great 
Men and women whose names elate 

The broken down race 

The broken down race 
Broken in love, and broken in art 
Broken ambition entire and in part. 

The broken down race 

The broken down race 

Broken in body, broken in mind 
No peace on earth for thei.i to find 

The broken down race 

The broken down race 
May Heaven's gates swing wide apart 
And pour sweet balm on their quivering heart 

The broken down race 

The broken down race. 

October 12, 1895. 



176 LEARN TO BE PEACEFUL. 



LEARN TO BE PEACEFUL 



Learn to be peaceful, calm and serene 

Learn to be true and brave. 
The wildest storms of life redeem 

Their sorrows, even the grave. 

Learn to be peaceful, whatever befalls 

Thy lot along life's highway 
Peace is the power which ever recalls 

The angle of light we call day. 

Learn to be peaceful, learn to be calm 

Learn to be true and brave. 
'Tis the only thing on earth which is balm. 

'Twill lead us beyond the grave. 

October 17, 1895. 



What in thoughtless youth we scorn 
We yearn for in our dotage 

When we are most forlorn 

Of love and hope and courage 

The si-ringtime ever full of cheer 
Brightest dreams and strength 

Carelessly we cast all fear 
To its utmost length. 

Thus our lives pass to the shades 
Knowing not our mission here 

Like the sunset as it fades 

Behind the clouds where all is clear. 



WHEN LOVE WAS MINE. 177 



WHEN LOVE WAS MTNE. 



I was rich when love was mine 

Now Ah ! poor, for love has fled 

1 cannot cheerfully resign 
To live when love is dead. 

The earth and sky— when love was mine 

Was tints of azure hue 
For those soft colors, now I pine 

So b.'ending warm they grew. 

All life was joy — when love was mine 

Now joy for me is dead. 
To the dreary night, I now consign 

My life — for love has fled. 

October 17, 1895. 



IN YOUTH. 



The drear, drear days pass slowly by 

I watch, and wait, and vaialy sigh, 

For thy look, thy step— thy clasp. 

Through the shadows, I cannoc clasp, 

The meaning of this empty heart. 

Why willed the fates that we should part? 

Last thought at night, and first at morn 

From its misery deep is shorn 

To think of thee and fondly kiss, 

Erie in the dream of imagery were bliss. 



178 WHERE DO I AVISH TO GO WHEN I SHALL DIE. 



Wert thou some soul from planet far 
Which touched my soul with delicious jar? 
And lifted me in transport keen 
To joys of love unheard — unseen. 
Oh ! mighty power and awful sway 
Of Love ! perchance 'twere but a day 
Better to have lived that day ! alas 
And die the next, than love should pass 
Thee by unheeded, its mysteries save 
Its strength of knowledge for thee beyond the 
grave. 

December 20, 1895. 



WHERE DO I WISH TO GO WHEN 
I SHALL DIE. 



Where do I wish to go when I shall die 

Where e'er the hand that sent me here shall 
will 
Not even now shall ask the reason why — 

Nor when this throbbing, pulsing heart is still 
If it be on some glorious planet far — 

Where higher minds — than here shall lead 
the way 
If it be midst the angels where no jar 

Ere breaks the heaven of most perfect day — 
And yet — if in some distant clime 

Upon this earth in most subjected form 
I feel within my soul — some stirring rhyme 

Shall make upon my heart an impress warm 
And if in humblest work I may unmask 

The meaning of this life — and understand 
This ! Oh this— is all I ask 

That I may know the great command. 



THE SACRED CAVE. 1"^ 



Where doT wish to ^o when I shall die? 

Where e'er the hand that sent me here shall 
will 
Nor would I ask to read the future sky 

Not even now — my aching heart to fill 
If it be in the heights where angels dwell 

With peaceful song of joy and praise and love 
If it be by the throne — ah — that is well 

One more soul added to the choir above 
But hark — if it be here again 

Upon this lowly plain of toil and care 
If through the misery and the pain 

I see thy liand — I'll not despair 
For I will know — thy silent voice 
Though shadowed dark or bright the day 

This then is my only choice 
That thou will guide my present way. 

December 4. 



THE SACRED CAVE. 



'Twas said — in ancient Greece — a sacred cave 
Whose portals guarded by the Aegean wave 
And all who entered its mysterious hall 
Were rendered melancholy — past recall. 
And those of years — wishing to wisdom seek 
Returned again — were never heard to speak. 
And those who entered ia their youth and bloom 
The remainder of their days were spent in gloom 
The nation kept aloof from the dread place 
Whose history was well known tothe Greek race 
The cave was known by Damala to be — 
Where the hills of Tyrus slope the sea. 



180 THE SACRED CAVE. 



Well versed— this Greek — in ancient lore — 

His keen dark eyes now scan the widening shore 

Before his view the calm sea lay 

Like a topaz field on a sunny day. 

Forward he pres'd to the towering hill 

Led along by his stern brave will — 

To wrest and combat if needs be 

The secrets the cavern held with glee 

From the beloved race of the gods 

Bowed they under their many rods. 

The fear of tliis cave was a hideous kind 

And the Greek Damala set out to find 

The wraith which made the cave by the sea 

A haunting terror — which he would free. 

Proud of his race was the stalwart Greek — 

Sturdy of limb — and face not meek 

But strong of line — and brave and bold 

Had been a slave — and as such was sold 

But slumb'ring 'neath the tyrant chain 

Whose cruel rule — now in the wane 

Had seered his soul with misery deep 

Was freedom's blood — which does not sleep. 

Determined not to win renown — 

For nature's smile and nature's frown 

To him were one, it moved him not 

If he be remembered — or be forgot 

Determined he — the cave must yield — 

Be his the conquering arm to shield 

The name of coward from his clan 

The Grecian hero proves the man. 

None e'er had dared to probe the cave 

To tell the world its secret — save 

The few who ever dumb remained 

The Greek will tell what it contained 

On he journeyed toward the steep 

Behind him Athens wrapt in sleep — 



TIIK .SACKED CAVE. 181 



Around the hill to the waters edge 

The cavern's gap — is the bold Greek's pledge 

One moment paused beside the sea 

His polished shield rests on his knee 

His spear grasped by the mighty arm 

His ear tuned to each new alarm 

His dark hair flowing in the wind 

The gentle sea breeze was most kind 

On his face poured a flood of light 

As the moon lit up the dark'ned night 

From behind dense clouds piled high 

In broken masses 'gainst the eastern sky. 

One moment thus the Graek slave stood 

In manhood's pride of youth and good 

Many before him — with rank and name 

Had searched the cave in quest of fame 

But they — alas — had ne'er the power 

To tell the tale of this present hour. 

One long last look Damala cast 

Upon loved Athens — 'twas the last — 

Into the dark abyss — to seek 

What e'er it held — plunged the fearless Greek, 

The passage way was dark and drear 

Tho' slave by force — no cringing fear 

Chilled the heart of Damala— 

A star apparent lights the way 

Of hope, his feet now tread 

O'er mounds and mounds of buried dead 

The echoes sound his mute footfall 

Throughout the winding cavern hall 

Like muffled waves whose heaving roar 

Breaks restless 'gainst the defiant shore. 

A hall abruptly breaks in view 

List, cries the Greek — can this be true 

Inhabited by such as these — 



182 THE SACRED CAVE. 



Such beauty 'neath the Aegean seas — 
Methought the gnomes and furies wild 
Would meet my eye but these are mild 
Fair children sjjorted midst the green 
Of hanging vines from whence unseen 
Their blossoming tendrils slowly twined 
And bloomed for childish hands to find 
And clouds of azure make the sky 
Tints of pink and white piled high 
Distil a dew of aroma sweet 
Which upturned childish faces greet. 
Beneath their feet the soft moss grows 
In shading color and billowy rows 
Fragrant buds and waving ferns 
This is their home the Grecian learns. 
They gamble, happy, laugh and play 
They spy the Greek' and flee away 
With look of fear upon their face 
And fade they now away in space. 
The astonished youth reclined awhile 
For he had journeyed many a mile 
And o'er his burning tired eyes 
Stole restful slumbers calm surprise. 

One elfin bolder than the rest 
Tripped lightly from their hidden quest 
And peered into the sleepers face 
Whai: we call sleep — found not a trace. 
The child said come, I'll lead the way 
The Greek obeyed — yet strange to say 
He felt himself obliged to yield 
Some strong obedience seemed to wield 
About his sense a magic power 
Grew stronger at each passing hour 
Where now^ his spear and warlike mein 
Beside his body plainly seen. 



THE SACRED CAVE. 183 



By troops of fairies in sportive piny 
Garlands of flowers they twine and sway. 
About the sleeping Grecian's form 
To keep the sleeping Grecian warm. 

Away through the darkest pass in the cave 

Where thunders above the Aegean wave 

The Greek and the child are passing along 

Following with care a quavering song. 

A grotto — ah, wondrous— appears now in view 

Massive, magnifice^it, of every known hue 

Pillars of marble support the blue dome 

On through the isles the Greek and child roam, 

Stalactites formed of sapphire blue 

And tinted opals peeping through 

Ropes of gold and silver twined 

Heavy torquoise columns bind. 

Diamonds, topaz, rubies red 

Make the walls there pearl-like bed 

Crusted knots of emeralds rare 

Hold green lights beyond compare 

And from an arch way a mellow glow 

Like pale amber upon white snow 

Throws a light which softly shines 

Upon the gems the cave confines. 

Where comes the song the Grecian cried 

In yonder cave the child replied. 

And gliding from the shadow slowly 

As like a knight the Greek bent lowly 

A maiden, radiant as the light 

Robed in web-like flowing white 

A pearly shell held her golden hair 

Back from a face of beauty rare 

Eyes of deepest heavenly blue 

Melt they now in darkest hue 

She wakens like one from a trance 



184 THE SACRED CAA^E. 



And meets the boM Damala's glance. 

And shrinks she now and tarns aside 

As if would fly toward the rumbling tide 

Haste not away — I beg thee stay — 

And 1 — not thou — shall go away 

Resume thy song — be not afraid 

This is thy home — the Grecian said. 

Whence earnest thoii — from you dark wave — 

What brings thee to this hidden cave 

AYith faltering step and timid eyes 

The maiden waited his replies. 

I come from Athens — spake the Greek 

Land of the gods — whose history's speak 

Round the very name of ancient Greece 

A glowing charm will never cease. 

Where facination is in her art 

And glory is her warrior's part 

The very air will weave a spell 

Still and weird and strange to tell 

The cities ruins ever hold 

Attraction for the traveler bold. 

Knowest thou Olympus — snow clad mount 

The gods live at its eternal fount 

Or vale of Tempe — delightful spot 

The maiden said — I know them not. 

I'll tell thee of my country more 

'Tis guarded by the Aegean shore 

In Arcadia's pastoral life 

There lives the Greek away from strife. 

And high on towering Mount Cyllene 

Was Mercury born and oftimes seen 

The tortoise shell he made to sing 

Whose pov.'erful wand with quick'ned wing 

Conflicting elements reconciles 

Such is strong Caduces wiles 

And the sacred grove of calm Delphi 



THE SACRED CAVE. 185 



Hides with its sliade the bright blue sky 

The smiling Penens flows along 

Through winding paths like a summer song 

And through Olympias vast broad plains 

Are treasured temples, costly fanes 

Across the sea is Cyprus isle 

Where Venus woke with love's first smile 

Thou art like she, radiant and fair 

And like her thou hast golden hair. 

Could I find to her the way 

The maiden questioned Damala 

Thou couldst not — twas in ages past 

The waves upon that island cast 

Fair Venus — beauteous as the day 

We sing to her the lovers lay. 

I'll tell thee now of Medea dark 

Old men made young by her magic mark 

Lived she in far away Colchis 

And many died from the poison'd kiss 

Of her sorcery and skill 

Aided by her cunning will, 

And of Apollo — bold and brave 

Born by yonder Delos wave 

And told that he was god of Love 

And the bright light shimmers from above 

Thou art like him the maiden cried 

I am a slave the Greek replied 

With trembling lip and lov>er'd voice 

Slave by force but not by choice 

Tell me then — what is a slave? 

One subject to another — said the brave 

Damala, and wert thou so 

Demean'd? I did not know 

But thou wert some great king 

So proud the tones in thy voice ring 

And thy bearing is so bold 



186 THE SACRED CAVE. 



Like the mighty gods of old. 

Thy world must be a beauteous place 

Art all like thee of thy proud race — 

Damala bent and grasped her hand 

There art none like thee in my native land 

Flushed his brow and softened eye 

In his heart a bursting sigh 

Through his veins the blood like fire 

Leap'd to the thought of his wild desire 

Was she mortal — this vision bright 

Or made of rays like the bright moonlight 

Her hand grew w^arm within the clasp 

Of the Grecian's tender grasp. 

And who art thou and why live here? 

I know^ it is not dark and drear 

But gold and pearls, these gems above 

Are nought to the sweet delights of love. 

Thou art my other self I know 

Said Damala nov*^ bending low 

And kissed the tress of her golden hair 

Which floated on her forehead fair. 

The long lids fell o'er the dark blue eyes 

She trembled from Damala's sighs 

Ah ! Andea — call me — my home is this 

And sank in the embrace of Love's first kiss. 

Thou wilt come with me away from here 

I will take the over the waters clear 

In my felucca sailing swift 

Over the blue Ionium rift 

And there upon an isle shall dwell 

And thou like aphrodite shall tell 

The story of this golden age 

Thy beauty e'en the gods would wage 

Lead thou the way, I'll follow thee 

Out on the land or over the sea 

Methought to never leave this cave 



THE SACRED CAVE. 187 



Nor pass the portals of yonder wave 

My ^old and pearls, gems and shells 

And amber lights in these hidden dells 

Fill'd my heart with contentment deep 

Like a sweet and happy^eleep. 

But when thou came and I heard thee speak 

I knew thou art the one I seek 

In dreamy nights 1 saw thy face 

Close to mine own with w^Inning grace 

The maiden now this tale confes't 

As the Grecian clasp'd her to his breast. 

Come now away in love tones mild 

But in his parhwoy stood the child 

Who said — I'll lead another way — 

Ah no -the maiden — she must stay 

A wailing moan Andea gave 

Then here — alas — shall be my grave 

Damala gasped — can this be true 

Methinks I will not follow you 

But with Andea here remain 

And live to the end in a sweet refrain 

But ah ! all Athens must hear this tale 

I'll come back for thee— thou'lt not bewail 

Thou canst not come back — the elfin siake 

Not come back e'en for loves sweet sake 

Shalt thou go on and I stay here? 

O, woe to me — this cavg is drear 

I've v;aited for thee years and years 

And finding thee shed my first tears 

O, woe to me— when joy is found 

'Tis lost like the echo of a sound 

I cannot live if thou must go 

Moaned Andea, soft and low 

My love— my love— is the Greek's hoarse cry 

As he saw the radiant maiden die. 

Mute and still in her white array 

Cold as the marble on which she lay. 



188 THE SACRED CAVE. 



Damala staggered toward the child 
Lead thou me on in accent wild 
Oh 'lestiny — thy harsh decree 
Is ail inner glimpse of eternity. 
On and on the elfin weak 
Is blndly followed by the Greek — 
They enter now a darken 'd cell 
'Tis like where Pluto— King of Hell- 
Doth live and thrive and breed dismay 
Cried the wretched Damala. 
Bleak and grey and grim the walls 
Like chis'led blocks in prisoned halls 
No ray of light nor twig or vine 
Is visible in the dark incline. 
A fetid stench of heavy air 
Rushed with a blast upon the pair 
Who could live here the Grecian cried 
I — a croaking voice replied. 
From the farthest corner in the cell 
Shambled a being, whose grey locks fell 
In matted plaits about his head 
And looked like one who had long been dead. 
Except the eyes, one long fierce look 
He gave the Greek — his hand now shook 
And slowly grasped his withered staff 
And uttered forth a fiendish laugh 
And turned from Damaja away 
List, the Grecian cried — I pray 
The secrets of this cavern low 
All the world of Greece must know 
Knowest thou Athens? its balmy clime 
'Twas once my home — before thy time. 
Well know I Sparta, queen of the sea 
My native home was fair Thessaly. 
And Marathon I ne'er forget 
Where the Greek and Persian met. 



THE SACRED CAVE. 189 



Nor mount Sipylus where the stone 

Niobe will ever weep and moan. 

Well know I all the land and sea, 

Of Grecian fame in history. 

Ah ! joy was mine in that golden age 

Which now is but a written page. 

In pitying tones— what brought thee here 

Damala asked— 'tis bleak and drear 

Aye — drear indeed — time alone 

Brought me thus — I make no moan 

Lethe's blessed stream is past 

On night black styx— my bark is fast 

Eumenides* my comrades are 

There howling echoes near and far. 

Come back to Athens midst thy kin 

Some joys of life thou'lt surely win 

Thou still lovest man the Grecian said 

The old man shook his whiten' d head 

Ah, no ! Humanity thou wolf of cringing mein 

Snapping— snarling— foaming— plainly seen 

Tearing all within thy claw 

And voracious ugly paw 

Vomiting forth thy wrath and hate 

A slimy track is thy past fate. 

The best man's curse is left behind 

In the ni'jan thoughts of his mind 

Not expres't perhaps in action 

Which we know is the least faction — 

Oh, man — thou knowest least of all 

Why thy birth— thy life— thy fall 

Thou art in thy low travail 

The embryo shrouded with the veil 

Covered with pestilential slime 

In every day of thy earthly clime. 

E'en love of man is most part hate 

* Eumenides— Furies. 



190 THE SACKED CAVE. 



And friendship is a visioned weight 
The tie which binds man to the earth 
Is forced upon him from his birth 
Slave in body — slave in mind — 
Aye and the soul has its bitter grind 
Life has yielded nought to me 
But desolate hope and misery. 
What say I then — to live is well 
Alas to that — ah — none can tell. 

His parched face toward the wall he turned 

His eyes alone now gleamed and burned. 

Depart from here — he seemed to speak 

The words had reached the list'ning Greek 

AVho slowly turned to find his way 

Back to the heavenly light of day. 

With drooping eye and dejected mein 

This was the last he was to glean 

Back led the child to the bower of flowers 

In the sacred cave — after many hours. 

Through the winding dark'ned halls 

And low ceiling cavern'd walls. 

The fairy bowser was reached at last 

AVhat Spell upon the Grecian cast 

Its mantle black as darkest night 

The flowers were there and so the light 

But all was gloom — the fragrance sweet 

Where the buds and green vines meet 

Which made the dancing fairies glad 

Made the Grecian hero sad, 

And close his eyes that he might forget 

The scenes his tired vision met. 

Depart from here — the child now spoke 

And hearing this — the Greek awoke. 

Thou hast lingered here so very long 

Wg thought thee dead — and with our song 



THE SACRED CAVE. 191 



Endeavor'd wo 11 to waken tliee 
Oo thou to Athens by the sea 
And take this tablet with thee — so 
Upon thy breast — and they will know 
That thou hast learned the secret well 
The sacred cavern had to tell. 

Damala crept back from the cave 

Out to the Aegean's dark blue wave 

Horror -horror — he is old and bent 

Gasping and withered — his strength is spent 

He gropes his way to mount the hill 

I love thee Athens — love thee still 

Could I but rest on thee my eye 

Gladly would 1 yield and die 

One more vain effort — one panting breath 

Andea — Athens — 'tis death — 'tis death — 

One choking utter hopeless cry 

Alas — that Damala should die. 

They found him by the Tyrus hill 

Lying there so cold and still 

With this tablet on his breast 

And Athens laid the Greek to rest. 



January 3, 1897. 



192 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 



TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 



Born in an attic: in Paris gay 

The child first saw the light of day. 

Began his life 'midst poverty's cries 

Who in all this world so wise — 

Bat would predict a groveling fate 

For the babe born almost of hate. 

And I maintain that between the two 

Love and hate : there is but few 

Degrees of difference or space 

'Twas always thus thro'at the race. 

Some bred in love are born in hate 

The wheel of time will compensate 

The divergence which love brings 

Thro' the universe this law rings. 

We cannot stray far from the path 

Of eveness : without the wrath 

Of extremes : upon our soul 

Falling — and on the whole 

The one who steers his bark so clear 

Of hinderance in love, is near 

The highest peace of mind attained 

Altho' true love is ever famed 

It is the crushing force of all 

And leaves the mind without recall 

Trampled — prisoned — cramped and bound 

With visible chains to a clod of ground 

The misery's of its sway attest 

Its powder ! and no known rest 

The struggling soul has ever known 

Who has closely to its pinions grown. 



TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 193 



The pallid mother lying on the cot 

A silly girl had been, who had forgot 

The little knowledge which she'd been endowed 

Before the shrine of love she humbly bowed 

And at its altar sacrificed her all 

And thus — ah ! thus, had come about her fall. 

But now — a woman grown and on her child 

A look of deathless love now calm — now wild 

The child-birth pains which she endured 

A new creation in her breast enured. 

I'll live for him, my infant boy she sobbed 

Altho' the world her reputation robbed. 

And worked for him and on her pittance meagre 

For him slaved and toiled and very eager 

Spent the mite she earned so hard 

O'er him a most constant guard 

Kept she : lest he should stray 

Away from the garret every day. 

The child she loved with a another's heart 

Scarce e'en an hour would she e'er part. 

From the little life so calm 

Which now to her was heaven's own balm. 

The father cruelly deserted 

Nought to him they now concerted. 

An army's general staunch an'i brave 

The girl in the attic he might save 

From the bitter wrath and scorn 

Of the world whose sharpened thorn 

Pier young heart had penetrated. 

This the way they were related. 

Descended he of alien blood 

Of Africa's dark streaming flood 

Hot passion, cruelty and neglect 

Were attributes we must reflect. 

Of his nature, other traits 

Of greatness : ah ! the fates 



104 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 

Play sometimes with poor human minds 

For genius adds its vast refines. 

To lewdness, vicionsness and crime 

Almost as a blending chime. 

Some natures are made up of both 

And to each other very loth, 

Strong poles of right and wrong 

These are the souls which all along 

The varying ranks of time 

Speak forth in every clime. 

The father of these elements were made, 

He knew life in every turn and grade. 

A negro mother, sire of Spanish line 

Inherited deep faith and love sublime. 

As passed the years, the father's heart grew mild 

Toward his son the lowly peer born child 

But was it not that the precocious lad 

Had touched a hidden strain half-glad 

Buried in the ineterent father's heart 

As in the world of letters he took part 

True humanity he began to learn 

And to most humble folk began to turn 

And learn of them the lesson of the hour 

In thsre misery dumb but silent power. 

O'er their lives forever sway 

Nature's gilts — her finest clay. 

Meantime the lad his bitter school 
Were taunts and jeers whose unkind rule 
Stamped deep sorrow in his breast 
He learned to love deep solitude best 
When but a child and very young 
He came to pass his hours among 
People different from the herd 
Of common minds: ah ! the bird 
Who soars the highest peak 
Is the winged love which we seek 



TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 195 



The child grew on unnamed 

The father now had been far famed 

A genius now and very wise 

Shone from out his dark lit eyes. 

Upon the lad felt some compassion 

Perhaps it was the present fashion 

No honor can to him be given 

Who has in deep dishonor striven 

To rigfit the wrongs Of early life 

As if that little puny strife 

'Twixt miscalled conscience which is but fear 

Could ever make a v/rong done — clear 

One act done wrong— is forever wrong 

'Tis ne'er made right — and all along 

The true unerring lines of time 

'Tis time alone which buries all 

In its calm relentless call 

If thus we think to compensate 

Mistaken are we all obligate 

Unto all which we have done 

Like the planets round the sun 

Return again where they began 

'Tis the universal plan. 

And thus the follys of our youth 

Haunt us and it is a truth 

The mind of man has ne'er been free 

On the land or oh the sea. 

From contact with things of the past 

There reflection will always last. 

They are part of our own life 

In deepest peace or harshest strife. 

Mind in youth beware— beware 

The joys of life a hidden snare 

Which thy heart will goad and scourge 

As the bitter memory's surge, 

Thro' thy mind in coming years 



106 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 



In hours of calm and hours of tears 

Let thy life be truly spent 

In deep hope and encouragement 

Know the hours which quickly fly 

Away on wings, like the bird on high 

Will pass forever —forever away 

The acts of youth alone the play 

Which will face thee in after years 

Altho' we may have no such fears. 

This child grew up and faced the scorn 

Of the life which he had born 

With suffering heart, yet calm and mild 

Was this poor born, love made child. 

He wrote a tale of love and lust 

Love and vice which is but dust 

By the law of love alone redeemed 

As o'er the dark, its bright ray beamed 

The story brought him friends and fame 

Honor, wealth and love now came 

Floating on the past dark tide. 

Ah ! the changes v/hich abide 

Hidden in deep nature's fold 

Whose secrets carelessly we hold. 

In waning years he is sur'ound 

By all the luxurious to be found 

That art and wealth and time could bring 

Yet through his heart a melloW ring 

Of sadness lives and in the end 

His life flows on in peaceful trend. 

Thus stain of birth, nor blighting scorn 

Or v/retched poverty and dark'ned morn 

Deters the genius: the shadows weave 

A glorious sunset for his brilliant eve. 



December 10, 1895. 



HELOS AND LILLIAN. 107 



HELOS AND LILLIAN. 



Lovers they: in youth's spring time, 
When much in life seems perfect rhyme 
To those who do not understand 
There's no perfection in any land. 
The lover's hair was midnight black 
iiis face whose very colors lack 
Spoke in Grecian statuesque lines 
And lithesome limbs his form defines, 
Supple, graceful, firm and tall 
The gods on him might fain recall 
So physically perfect is this youth 
And his descrijition is with truth 
Like the lightnings flash his eye 
The light of which can never die. 
Proud in the rush of youth's first flow. 
Noble of mind, his friends well know — 
Helos — his name, and humbly born, 
His spirit never felt forlorn. 
For mirth and cheer was his birthright, 
Keen in talent and clear insight. 
The pitiless world not afraid to face 
Empty handed — for wealtli's bright race 
To him was but a joyous dream 
The roseate light of love's bright gleam 
Illuminates his every thought. 
Ah ! the great change love has wrought. 
Has made this humble lad a king 
In happiness : the very ring 



198 HELOS AND LILLIAN. 



Ill his manly pleasing voice 

Would make a stoic for once rejoice. 

The maiden beside him of beauty so rare 

Is Lillian— fair Lillian, with bright golden hair. 

Her face cast in oval and small pointed chin, 

Her eyes, the dear angels had let the sky in 

And turned them to violet as the dark shadows 

grew, 
Dark lashes and brows were the beauty which few 
Could pass without notice — and many a sigh 
Was heard from the hearts as fair Lillian passed by 
And love made a halo around her small head. 
Her sweet winning smile was a lustre which shed 
Comfort and peace upon all whom it fell 
And thus runs the story reluctant I tell. 

In a garden of blossoms this night they had met, 

The sun in the v/est with glory had set, 

The young moon o'erhead shone with radiance 

divine 
Upon the magnolia whose blossoms and vine 
Wreathed 'round the small arbor to which they 

repaired 
A scene from fair Eden this picture had dared. 
"I will tell her to-night of my love," quoth Helos 
As they sank to a seat on a mound of dark moss. 
"I love him — my Helos,'' sighed Lillian so fair. 
The moon thro' the lattice made silver her hair. 
Clasped in the arms of her lover in bliss 
Sealed they their love with a pure love's kiss. 
As v>'edded these souls by the deep power of love 
Their spirits took flight to the regions above 
And left the weak mortals to combat on earth, 
To helplessly struggle as e'en at their birth 
Two bright robed souls from earth took flight 
Out on the billows of ether and night, 
On and on in unlimited space they fly 
To a brilliant world they now draw nigh. 



ili:los and lillian. 199 



Making the journey in extatic rhyme, 

Blending in love thouglit this new found clime 

As hand clasps hand — cries Helos to his love 

Here are the joys for those who live above. 

"What an eternal and blessed fate 

Had found the angel and her mate. 

Upon this wondrous world they pause 

Scarcely knowing just the cause 

Which had brought their twin souls here 

Love alone has its motive clear 

A heaven is this the angel cried 

"\Vhose brilliant light shines far and wide 

Giving the spirits here full scope 

To work out their wondrous mission of hope 

I see no darkness any where, 

'Tis joy to feel this light so rare, 

These beauteous forms which here we find 

Seem much alike and of one mind. 

So much of quiet and harmony 

Like one grand chord or symphony 

Paused the angel in deepest wonderment 

Beholding now the visio.i with very deep intent 

Of a world peopled alone with intellect 

On whose perfection she pauses to reflect 

Living with harmony's law perfected 

All joys and discords forever rejected 

By the right of love and peace 

The soul alone will find release. 

Strains of music from choirs divine 

Float on the air and thus refine 

The space between the worlds around, 

Bringing soothing mellow sound. 

Millions of worlds in ether abide 

Returning like the truest tide, 

In there course heaven directed 

By th3 one great law protected. 

The law of harmony and truth 



200 HEL08 AND LILLIAN. 



Will solve all things and is the proof. 

Like the highest mountain peak 

We alone for knowledge seek 

Above this planetary sphere. 

We grasp with ease the wisdom here 

But the things which we most need 

Is knowing when th§ soul is freed. 

From these galling binding chains 

Vv^ith their bitter sweet refrains 

Knowledge of the after path 

Few are here who ever hath 
Divined the mystery of the change 
Called death: 'tis not within the range 
Of most humanity in thought or mind 
Superstition is the only happiness such find 
Thus passed the years as but a day 
To the angel and Helos — and they 
Forward looked to now^ explore 
Other worlds with their hidden lore 
Of love and wisdom, truth and power 
It was indeed a blessed dower 
To be allowed to thus project 
There angel souls and then reflect 
Upon the knowledge which they gained 
For this the written story's famed, 
And passing onward in their flight 
They behold a strange, strange sight 
And leaving now the angels rare 
Upon the earth we will repair. 

They knew not what the seeming change 
Had fallen on them: something strange 
Had come upon them : that they knew 
And colder to each other grew. 
As time rolled on, the marriage bans 
Were published through the village fans 



HELOS AND LILLIAN. 201 



Flames of fire in gossips speech 

Shriller than the night owl's screech 

The simple folk eagerly spy, 

The bride and groom with downcast eye, 

There faces pale and tightly drawn 

Compress'd their speech: and the sunny dawn 

Which made this couple man and wife 

Opened the door of contentions strife. 

Which would ever war and wage 

Ever and always in silent rage. 

Between the two whose souls had fled 

Into the starlight, whose luster shed 

Upon these mortals not any ray, 

They battle with there now dark day. 

In the mind of Helos, suspicion dark 

Has made of him a centered mark, 

Filled his mind vrith thoughts of rage, 

The depth of jealousy, who can gauge. 

His misery grew as the years pass by, 

Has made galling chains of the golden tie. 

He changed in actions and in looks 

In every corner the devil lurks, 

To his mind now dark'ned sadly 

As raged his bittcEgess more madly 

A few short year^^o quickly pass'd 

Upon his heart more sorrows mass'd. 

Until for him life held no joy 

And thoughts of love could only cloy. 

Upon the man who had been so bright 

Upon which life meant one su.ilight. 

Now bowed and bent in waning years 

Pour'd with the world he shed no tears 

But mute and sullen, on came old age 

All joys of life a forgotten page. 



202 HELOS AND LILLIAN. 



And Lillian the fair one whose footsteps light 
Had chased away the shadows of night 
By her winning youthful smile 
And her sweetest glance awhile, 

Morose and petulant by turns 

Grew she: anger in her heart now burns 

Her great love died, her beauty faded, 

Her frame is limp, her step is jaded. 

Disappointed with all of life 

It appeared to her one awful strife. 

The gloomy days now suit her best 

In her heart a hidden quest 

Courts deej) solitude, shuns the sun rays, 

Settled despair now attending all her days 

The years crept — ah ! so slowly by 

Will the end ne'er come was her one sigh. 

Poverty had added its hideous face 

Whose deathly mark left a vicious trace 

Up on the two who began life blest 

Apparently: 'tis sad confess't 

Until at last they came to hate 

And that — alas — was the mortals fate. 

Death a thousand times w-ere better 

Than the living death whose letter 

Upon so many liearts are branded 

Like burning fire, and to be candid 

Humanity is a living lie 

Whose dying struggles alone the cry. 

Of truthfulness in its hoarse ring 

'Tis a grewsome ghostly thing. 

This problem of the changing soul, 

So brief in parts, so sad the whole. 

Satisfaction of the moment enters not tumultu- 
ous mind. 

Grasping ever for the ideal is the creed of most 
mankind. 



HELOS AND LILLIAN. 203 



But away to the angels, whose happy course 
Is toward a star whose misty force 
Compels there souls with firm attraction 
Without the crudeness of refraction. 
Leaving a world where all was so clear 
What unknown consciousness draws them near 
A world that is dark and very small, 
The brilliant worlds have been joy— all. 
Th3y sigh and shudder with silent fear 
As thro' the darkness they draw near, 
Familiar seems this place to me 
This beautiful garden which I see 
Covered with roses, buds and vines, 
'Magnolia blossoms whose stem.s entwines 
The beautiful lillies nodding so white, 
Standing stately i.i the calm moonlight 
A placid lake whose silvery gleam 
Answers every bright moon beam. 
Grassy slopes near the waters edge. 
Beauty is nature's honest pledge. 
Alight the angels on this spot 
Can it be they have forgot 
This the garden— there the arbor, 
There the scenes which lovers harbor, 
Lillian dost thou, this place remember? 
Ah ! memory's but a dying ember 
'Twas our home a short space ago 
Much since then we've learned to know 
They glide along toward the stately pile 
With its ancient turret style. 
Radiant and beautiful with, love divine 
To youthfulness forever they happily consign. 

Sitting mute within the crumbling walls 
Of these tomb-like and ancestral halls 
The moitals whose expression wore a lear 



204 HELOS AND LILLIAN. 



In whose every voice and look a sneer 

The man was flabby — and heavy lidded eyes 

Dissipation had rendered him full of heavy si^hs 

Tottering and unhappy, not willing to die, 

To live, ah ! to live — is his vain cry. 

The woman broken, old and wrecked 

The greenish eyes with which she's decked 

Turn amber as the candles light 

Fall upon this awful sight. 

Thus the angels stood and gazed 

Upon the horror which had dazed 

There senses, and the frightful view 

Brought the visions meaning true. 

And raising up the dim half sightless eyes 

The mortals saw the angels from the skies 

Standing there with mournful pitying look. 

Life or death no more was a sealed book. 

Crying out aloud in fitful starts 

Death had set his seal npon their hearts 

And when their eyes were closed in death's last 

sleep 
A peaceful smile had come from out the deep 
Reserves of nature and upon their face 
Settled : leaving of sorrow scarce a trace. 

My Lillian we will from this place away 

Said Helos : back to the world where all is day 

Sad, ah! sad, the angels took their flight 

They had learned a secret in that night 

Humbler than before and very meek 

To help all suffering souls jts whar they seek. 

And thus it is thro' this one law alone 

Are angels made: no other law is known 

By giving up forever selfishness 

Is the attainment of supreme happiness. 

November 27, 1895. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 205 



'AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



Dea-hi-ho-gah*" in his white canoe 
Burst from the darkness into view 
On the northern river wide 
Paddling down its white capp'd tide. 
Deep thought sat upon the brow 
Of the grey-hair' d red man now, 
Penetration lights his eye 
In whose depths dark mysteries lie. 
With single oar he paddles lightly 
Toward the west— and shining brightly 
Through the high rocks— is the sun 
Now his weary quest is done. 
From the clouds he has descended 
Tribes of red men have been defended 
By his magic and stern power 
Years before — and every hour 
Is his prestige understood 
From the Great Spirit— and good 
Are his thoughts and all his actions 
Loved is he and his attractions 
Are both just and so divine 
That the nations six entwine 
'Round his memory and name 
Lasting power and lasting fame 
By Ha-we-ne-u§ deputed 
By the red men not refuted 
Dea-hi-ho-gah visits earth 
'Tis the Indians traditional birth. 

*Dea-hi-ho-gah — wise man. 
§Ha we-ne-u — Great Spirit. 



206 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



Paddling lightly along the shore 

His white canoe with single oar 

Soon the fragile prow made fast 

Lightly stepped to earth at last. 

Ascends the loftiest western hill 

With calmest majesty — and still 

Pride and kindliness lights his eye 

As his face turns toward the sky 

Then around him silent gazing 

Lists his ear to nature's praising 

Thro' the lake of thousand isles 

Enchants the sachem's heart with smiles, 

Drawing his stately height — noble and free 

Cries happily aloud— Osh-wah-kee, Osh-wah-kee.* 

Two hunters of a nation great 
The proud Mohawks— this tale relate 
Beliind the hills they lay concealed 
And saw the spirit-man revealed. 
Quietly he them approaches 
Not with harsh or stern reproaches 
But with kind and friendly greeting 
Is the spirit-man and hunters meeting. 
A tale of sadness to him tell 
Of empty hunting grounds — as well 
As sufferings they had borne 
Doomed they thought to ever mourn. 
Thus they spoke without restraint 
The spirit-man hears their complaint. 
The hunters serve their aged guest 
A roast of venison — and now they rest 
The red men smoke the calumet 

* Osh-wah-kee interpreted from the Indian 
means, I see everything and see nothing. Os- 
wego river is named from Osh-wah-kee. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 207 



In the evening's dim sunset. 

And Dea-hi-ho-gah then disclosed 

As his listeners reposed 

That he would lill with fish the streams 

The hunting grounds with game— and deems 

It wise to tell how Ha-we-ne-yoh 

Had sent him in the red men's view 

And said the wise man furthermore 

The streams be cleared along the shore 

Of every barrier which met their way 

And started they at break of day 

The Mohawk hunters— brave and true 

With Dea-hi-ho-gah in his white canoe. 

On the shores of 8kan-yan-da-de* 
Whose waters tints are like the sea — 
Dea-hi-ho-gah makes his abode 
Among the nations six he strode. 
Tlie people flocked from every place 
To look upon his calm wise face 
And wished him to instruct and teach 
In matters far beyond their reach 
And thus the years pass swiftly by 
The red men heed his slightest sigh. 
His divine character laid he aside 
And lived as man with a dusky bride. 
He taught the red man to plant the corn 
And made for him the council horn 
And taught them how the beans to raise 
And dealt them out deserving })raise. 
Taught them to make the wampum belt 
Of beads and shells and hempen welt 
And wigwams build of skin of deer, 
Canoe of birch — and sharpened spear 
And blest them all with lavish hand 

*Skan-yan-da-de— Cross Lake. 



^08 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



'Till warriors came from a northern land 

AVith ferocious front and wild war cry 

And the council fire is burning high 

And purpos'd schemes 'gainst the invasion 

Dea-hi-ho-gah speaks on this occasion. 

These rude invaders we must repel 

Alone and single — is not well 

Our brave warriors must unite 

And from our borders be the fight 

We &hall be safe when this is done 

The red man speaks— as sinks the sun. 

You — Mohawks — under the "Great Tree" 

First in the nation shall you be 

All shall cry to you aloud 

Because you are warriors mighty and proud. 

And you— Oneidas— of the "Everlasting Stone,' 
Second shall be — you shall not moan 
Because you are of gifted speech 
And wisest counsel you will teach. 

And you— Onondagas — whose habitation 
Is "Great Mountain" and its grand relation 
Third shall be — for lovers of peace 
By your teaching war shall cease 

And you — Cayugas — of '"Forest Dark," 
Whose home is everywhere — will mark 
Fourth shall be — for in the chase 
Your cunning wins the foremost race. 

And you— Senecas— in "Open Country" living 
Fifth shall be — and then much wisdom giving 
To raise the corn — you understand 
And you "Five Nations" shall rule the land. 



AN INDIAN LEljrEND. L'O'J 



And you Mnnbattoes — and all the rest 
From north and south, from east and west 
Place yourselves in our protection 
List your ear to our direction 

If in this great bond we unite 

Ha-we-ne-u's smile shall be our light 

Happy, prosperous and free — 

Guard this covenant faithfully. 

As the wise man ceased to speak, 

His downcast face looked very meek 

A burst oi" music rent the air 

Seeming to come from everywhere. 

Celestial melody — low and sweet 

Singing voices — blending greet 

The rapturous echoes in Heaven's arch 

Like a grand triumphant march 

All eyes now^ were turned on high 

The wise man with a farewell cry 

Seated in his white canoe 

Rising gracefully from their view 

Higher— higher— toward the cloud 

The astonished natives cry aloud 

The music now is wierd and low 

Moaning away in a plaintive flow 

Strains of sweetest, softest tones 

Dying away in wailing moans 

The god-like Dea-hi-ho-gah in his white canoe 

Entered the regions of Ha-we-ne-u. 

Such was the story told this night 
In a wigwam warm— by a pine logs light 
Told by the warrior Ha-sta-wen-send-ta 
Told to his daughter Ga-hah-do-wit-ta.* 

* Ga-hah-do-wit-ta— prophetess. 



210 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



Beloved was she by all the tribe 
Daughter of the sachem scribe 
Living at "Great Mountain's" foot 
Guarded by its branch and root. 

Fertile are the valley plains 
When the summer sun regains 
Control of bird and fruit and corn 
Blessings easily are born. 

To-night the shrill bleak winds are blowing 
On the wigwam floor— the bright light glowing 
The aged chief by the fire is bent 
With withered cheek — and hollow dent. 

Crouching closely by his side 

His darling daughter— his only pride 

Covered in a pile of skins 

Smiles from her the chieftain wins. 

As he tells of fairy tales 
And happier days— and nov/ bewails 
Loss of tribes and homes and friends 
Grief the chieftain's heart now rends. 

All this land was once our play ground 
To the pale-face we were not bound 
Where the crumbling arsenal stands 
Oun-di-a-ga led his bands. 

Now my child will wed a stranger 
Know I well the path of danger 
Lowly sank the sachem's head 
As he dropped upon his bed. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 2U 



Father— Ga-hah-do-vvit-ta cried 
I will not live to be a bride 
Ha-we-ne-ii calls to me 
Soon his smiling face I'll see. 

I was to wed upon to-morrow 
A nation's brave — now only sorrow 
Falls upon my sinking heart 
To-night I know that we must part. 

Ha-we-ne-u ! 0, spare my child, 
Cried the sachem— long and wild 
As he breathes in broken sighs 
The lovely Ga-hah-do-Vvit-ta dies. 

They buried her with pomp and show 
In the valley— in the snow 
All the women mournfully wailing 
Chanting the death songs unavailing. 

The flower of the flock— without one moan 
To the land of souls— alone— alone 
One mourner sat by her lonely grave 
Dumb in his grief— was the Mohawk brave. 

He was the swiftest in the race 
Handled the bow with native grace 
The surest hunter— the keenest eye 
And the first to utter the warrior's cry. 

No more for him would the hunter's chase 
Cheer his heart with its quickened pace 
In anguish keen he cries aloud 
For the dark eyed girl in the snowy shroud. 



212 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



Bow and arrow he laid aside 

Cast down the war club with broken pride 

Peace and joy for him was o'er 

Since Ga-ha!i-do-wit-ta was no more. 

He had heard old people say 
There was a path as light as day 
Into the land of souls would lead 
Their direction he would heed. 

After many hours of mourning 
He started out with little warning 
Guided only by tradition — 
Towiird the south — the one condition. 

On he journeyed — yet no change 

Seemingly in nature's range 

On bush and tree the snow piled high 

Is the scene which greets the Mohawk's eye. 

Dreary — dreary land of snow 

The cold north winds forever blow 

Could Ga-hah-do wit-ta have come this way 

The black eyed youth asked the lonely day. 

Dreary — dreary — the lonely heart 
Seeking forever its counter part 
Through the northern icy breath 
Peering into the face of death. 

Almost dead from the j)iercing cold 
With staggering step, the Mohawk bold 
Halted tremblingly to rest 
For many moons had been his guest. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 213 



At last — the sun began to shine 
The forest 'sumed more cheerful rhyme 
The leaves put forth their small green buds 
The snows retreated in falling floods. 

Before the young man was aware 
A change complete — Oh, beauty rare — 
The joyous birds their warblings sing 
He found himself surrounded by spring. 

All the land of ice and snow 
Left behind in the valley low 
Above his head a field of blue 
Flowers beside him quickly grew. 

The balmy air was soft and mild 

Dark clouds rolled back as in anger wild 

Clearing an archway in the sky 

The traditional sign that the path was nigh. 

It led him through pomegranate groves 
Then high on a hill the Mohawk roves 
On the very top a lodge he spied 
Ga-hah-do-wit-ta — the lover cried. 

At the door an old man stood 
Staff in hand of polished wood 
With whitened hair and firey eyes 
Had heard the fainting travelers cries. 

Throwing loosely on his shoulders 
A robe of skins — he climbs the boulders 
You are welcome to my abode 
As all who climb this weary road. 



2J4 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



The dark-skin'd youth began — in part 
To tell the tale of his broken heart 
The white haired chieftain raised his hand 
I knew you were coming unto this land. 

Just had I risen to come and meet you 
'Twas known to me you were brave and true 
She whom you seek — just pass'd this way 
Fatigued with her journey — sat here a day. 

Enter my lodge — and take this seat 
Eest your body and weary feet 
Your enquiries I will try 
To answer and will satisfy. 

This done — they issued from the door 
See yonder gulf with its widening shore 
'Tis the land of souls' the chieftain cried 
You stand on its borders in manhood's pride. 

This my lodge is the entrance gate 
Your body must stay — that is the fate 
Of all who pass and you will learn 
You will find it safe on your return. 

Forward — bound the traveler — free — 
As if on wings toward the distant sea 
Trees nor groves — hill nor v»/ave 
Stopped the passage of the brave. 

Through them he appeared to go 
Spectre like they seem'd to glow 
The land of shadows around him lie 
Looming up to the bright blue sky. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 215 



And now he reached the waters edge 
This was the white haired chieftain's pledge 
An island in the center lay 
Covered by the haze of day. 

A stone canoe of shining white 
Tied to the shore — now met his siglit 
The aged man had told of this 
And now the path to the land of bliss. 

Entering the canoe so sprightly 
With shining oar he paddles lightly 
To his joy and intense surprise 
Ga-hah-do-wit-ta is before his eyes. 

Seated in a small canoe 
Counterpart of his own in hue 
Watching him with loving pride 
On the lake they are side by side. 

Push they out from the dark green shore 
To part they now ! Ah, never more 
Into the whitening edge of the wave 
Paddled the girl and the Mohawk brave. 

To the island looked a long, long distance 
The waves now offered strong resistance 
Storms are sweeping across the lake 
Whirling wreaths of clear foam break. 

Many forms were struggling there 

Old and young and beauty rare 

In the wild waves some are sinking 

The angry waters— their souls are drinking 



216 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 



Many sank: and heaps of bones 
Strewn on the bottom midst the stones 
They could see through the water clear 
Thus they were in constant fear. 

Only the children whose canoes 
No barriers met — the waves refuse 
Now they reach the island shore 
After the dark and wild storms roar. 

And leap'd they on the pearl-like sand 
The boundary line of this dreamy land 
Strengthen'd by its very air 
Lovely visions every where. 

Together over blissful fields 
They w^ander — and all nature yields 
Beauty to please the ear, the eye, 
Not a w^ail of sorrows cry. 

There no tempest — nor chilly wind 
Nor wars — nor graves — can they find 
No one crying there for bread 
No one mourning for the dead 

There no wintry, ice — nor snow 
All was bathed in a golden glow 
There no sorrow — no despaii 
Joy and paace alone was there. 

Daisies — lillies — roses — sweet 
Make the carpet for their feet 
Singing birds from every clime 
Making melody sublime. 



AN INDIAN LEGEND. 21' 



Azalia wreaths in festoons hung 
Across the branches the ivy swung — 
Stately palms and nooks of shade 
Bending willows in every glade. 

Forever the warrior would here remain 
List'ning forever to the sweet refrain 
Go back — go back — came an awful voice 
To the land whence thou came — thou hast no 
choice. 

The ''Master of Life" he did not see 
He heard the voice from the highest tree 
The duties for which I have made you 
Are not finished — and are but few^ 

Spake the awful voice — 'Tis not your time 
Return to your people — far from this clime 
You will rule your tribe for many days 
Be a good man the wise law says. 

My aged messenger at the gate 
List to him — he will relate 
You shall then the island find 
Which you now must leave behind. 

She you love will wait you here 

Young and fair and very dear 

As when I called her from the land of snow 

Back to that land where you must go. 

The "Master of Life" now ceased to speak 
The warrior turned to blindly seek 
The pathway ovei the wild storm's roar. 
Which had led him along to that golden shore. 



218 MADAME LASCAIRE. 



Back to the sea now raging madly 
Turn'd the dark-skinned warrior sadly 
Knowing scarce which way to go 
Back to the bitter land of snow. 

Back to the land of hunger and tears 
Back to the joyless land of fears 
The warrior's heart is sad and dreary 
The warrior's heart is weary — weary. 

Back again — with weary feet 
To the valley 'iieath the hills retreat 
Just at daylight's fading glow 
Back to the bitter land of snow. 

And.so midst misery's scenes we wait 
For the island calm — this is our fate 
We are wand'rers — struggling slow 
Through the bitter land of snow. 



August 3, 1896. 



MADAME LASCAIRE: THE WITCH 
OF THE BLACK FOBEST. 



'Twas moonlight in the black forest 

A forest of giant trees 
Whose branches sway with jest 

In the soft night breeze. 
Heavy festoons of creeping moss 

Through which the moonlight falls 
Whose fantastic shadows loss 

Flower bestrewn turf recalls. 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 219 



Tlie echoes float to the branches high 

The dull roar of Danube billows 
Defiant is the night owl's crj' 

Resonant to the willows. 
Which guard the many winding bends 

Like firm standing sentinels 
Of the stream whose deep charm lends 

Varied beauty o'er hills and dells. 
Anon — the whirr«of heavier wings is heard 

Black as the silent depths of forest shade 
Like the great bubus— the mjsterious aztec bird. 

An alien wandered his home was made 
With heavy, peculiar motion-swing 

Flies down past one's very face 
Sends a ghostly shivering ring 

Throughout this grewsome place. 
'Tis a most unseemly hour 

Midnight is the time 
The forest in its highest power 

Denotes an enchanting cMme. 
Picturesque spots here and there 

Of restfulness and seclusion 
Ilex and laurel grow everywhere 

The scene is not delusion. 
A change is working through the forest trees 

A storm is coming on with awful glare 
Leaping from crest to crest as stormy seas 

Whirling from peak to peak with thrilling dare 
Breaking the stillness of the moonlight night 

Like a sad and silent plaintive wail 
Gathering force from the echoes with its might 

Like a departed spirit in the gale. 
Striking terror to the very heart 

Of the superstitious and the sad 
Only of amusement a light part 

To the happy minded and the glad. 



220 MADAME LASOAIRS. 



The gods ai^e angry for some cause unknown 

Is what the simple villagers believe 
Living at the forest's edge alone 

Not much wisdom do they e'er receive. 
Into the woods farther penetrating 

Denser grows the trees and deeper shade 
Black with awful storm the night relating 

Wildest tales until the dark shall fade. 
Black and wild and mournfully (rfie wailing 

Of the heavy, mad and groaning wind 
Falls the blinding sheets of rain unveiling 

A change in Nature's own capricious mind— 
And the denseness of that midnight forest 

8mites the heart with awful fear and dread 
With bated breath and anguished thought— lest 
One might think they're walking with the dead. 
So haunting is the untrod woods in night hours 

In a storm whose wild and vicious wrath 
Sweep along like spirits of dark powers 

Drowning all things light within its path— 
Now the air grows cold as morning's chill 

Wraps the woods in dark and dullest grey 
Falling on every vale and hill 

So breaks the first drear peep of day. 
And in the midst of all this solitude 

In the midst of all this stormy niglit 
Stands a castle whose unheard prelude 

Is its silent ghostly ruined sight. 
One broken wing with wet ivy clinging 

To the crumbling mortar and the stones 
As if to keep away the wild storms ringing 
Out in the night its awful wailing tones. 
The castle is an ancient Gothic structure 

Built there many years, years ago 
Before the Goths and Germans had their rupture 
Built in the days when thought was slow. 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 221 



Tljo turrets loom through straggling vines 

The oaken doors are black with age 
High grown shrubs their place outlines 

Time has left a written page 
Of ambition, wealth and fame 
Upon this old castle hidden 
In the forest depths whose name 

Honor, grandeur and pomp had bidden — 
To attend in days gone by 

Music strains had pealed from out 
The fan traced windows to tlie sky 

In days when youth ne'er had a doubt. 
Yet to-night in all the wild storms rage 

(Jut from a window shines a flickering light 
'Tis gone one moment, then again will gauge 

Its seeming strength into the awful night 
Inside from whence that fleeting ray 

Of candle light shines out in faintest gleams 
The chief beauty of the interior gray 

Is the groined ceiling whose exquisite beams 
The surface being spread with lace like ribbing 

Belonging to this age of massiveness 
And characteristic of simplicity combining 

A network of intricate passiveness. 
Furniture of rare old handiwork 

Carved in grapes nnd leaves and vines 
In whose uncanny shadows lurks 

Phantom stories speak of hidden crimes. 
In one remote and dark corner 

Stands a tall candelabra of brass 
The very room to a foreigner 

Is ghastly in every line — alas — 
That we should live so far away 

From the periods of the past 
Our own every night and day 
We think perhaps will always last. 



222 * MADAME LASOAIRE. 



Ill the midst of this decaying splendor 

Lying crouched in silken cushions rare 
Is a woman pale and wan and slender 

On her face the candles fleeting glare 
Makes a shade and shadow as it falls 
On her pallid deathly looking face 
Bringing an echo from the heavy walls 

Piercing through the gloomy dark'ned space 
Lives she there like one alive or dead 

Impossible for one to tell which — 
Her claw-like hands and withered templed head 
Pronounce her at the first slight glance the 
"Witch." 
Her eyes are closed which make her look more 
deathly 
Around them hollow sunken circles lie 
The very shadows pass her by so stealthily 

As if afraid of her wide open eye. 
Around her clings a faded satin gown 

Dull and black and purple like in hue 
Seemingly to mingla with her frown 
As if upon her very form it grew — 
So withered are the crumpled hanging folds 
Limp and sere with age and damp confines 
Ah ! how the vicious mortal holds 

Her clutch on life with deepest dark designs — 
A jeweled brooch at her throat betrays 

The glittering red and blue of warm sapphire 
Shining light and dark in numerous rays 

The only thing alive within the dire 
Surroundings of this ancient room 

Precious gems epeak more of future time 
Than much material logic we assume 

The diamond loves its own mysterious clime. 
But now the sleeping woman wakes 

And Oh ! what lights from out her eyes 
Shine with black and red and yellow — makes 
A thrill of horror at the keen disguise. 



MADAME LAaOAIRE. 223 

Whose long dark lids when closed upon 

Those burning piertHng orbs 
With look of fixed and wild intention 

One's mind she fearlessly absorbs 
By the wierdness of her appearance 

Her face so pale and drawn and strange 
The brightest light would but enhance 

Her pallor — and all within tlie range 
Of her black and wildly gleaming eyes. 

"I must have life ! I feel I'm dying 
I will not die," she weakly cries 

While I hold the secret buying — 
Of any life within my reach 

Thus have I lived for many years 
By the law^s which none can teach 

I'll wield them now and shed no tears — 
This year I've searched the hamlets through 

For youtti — 'tis youth I ever crave 
All were short-lived except the few 

They have kept me from the grave — 
To-night my strength is on the wane 

'Tis passing strange this weakened heart 
The fates about me would I fain 

Bid this breath from me depart. 
I see the grave — the worms— the slime 

The grinning teeth, the socketless eye 
That hideous prison house for all time 

Which is the end of all wiio die. 
'Tis why I've sought through all these years 

The hidden mysteries of life to find 
The wise men of the East and even seers 

Their knowledge I have found to firmly bind 
This power called life within me 

I care not what the cost 
Her gloating eyes with devil's glee 

Plainly tell her soul is lost. 



224 MADAME LASOAIRE. 



To all tbat/s ^ood, the one wild mad desire 

That clutches like a viper in her breast 
And eats like moulten lead and burning fire 

To live forever is her wild request. 
The grave again— she shrieks with awful fright 

Her withered hands beat back a fancied scene 
The prison house— the worms— the slime to-night 

Appear to grasp and beckon — can it mean 
I counted wrong the last life that I drew 

Said twenty years — the planets told me so 
Not half that time has passed. I slew 

That last tall youth ten years to-night I know. 
I note this secret potion has not strength 

To last as long as in the former years 
Once before it failed me in its length 

That it may happen now I have some fears. 
For I would die if I could not refill 

This withered shrunken frame with youth fullife 
And preparations for the blood I spill 

Does not require a curved or sharpened knife — 
I'll lay me down and rest a little more 

And shut out the haunting dream in which I 
woke. 
She dragged her trembling limbs across the floor 

These words she quickly framed and weakly 
spoke. 
Stupid fools of humanity who only live to die 

Out of your ranks I pick and choose and ply 
my art with joy 
Poltroon— dupes, while I will I can defy 

That seeming end to all I play with a toy. 
Six hundred years have I kept this breath 

And lived— yet 'tis but a day 
Six hundred years have I baffled death 

I'll never yield as his pray. 
Unless I meet with a stronger will 

Than my own— which never will be. 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 



None I've ever met could kill 

Nor weaken or wrest this power from me. 
Then why to-night this woeful fear? 

AVhich surges through my heavy heart 
1 live on, while very drear 

Is life to otheis, they must part 
With the precious boon and then prepares to cross 

The grave — the grave— the prison house — she 
shrieks 
With shaking sobs — I rightly feared my loss! 

More strength to live immediately she seeks. 
She staggers through the dark and creaking door 

On thro' winding dark'ned narrow halls 
To a spacious opening in the floor 

On one side steps which vividly recalls 
Graves and vaults and horrible dark things 

Carefully and cautious she descends 
Unlocks a bolted door whose clanging rings 

Mingle with the shadows it contends. 
Another inner door she then unlocks 

A gust of cold wind blows upon her face 
At fear of ghost or goblin she mocks 

Death is the only fear which knows her grace. 
Ah ! many a handsome youth and bright eyed 
maid 

Has crossed the fatal threshold of that room 
In youth young hearts are never scarce afraid 

To ne'er come out alive was their sad doom. 
A gypsy girl of exquisite beauty rare 

Is the latest victim of the hag 
Her head defiant and with haughty dare 

Demands release — her spirit does not flag 
Until she looks and meets the woman's eye. 

She trembles, then recoils and quickly turns 
And breaks forth in a gasping shivering cry 

Through and through her soul that wild look 
burns 



226 MADAME LASOAIRE. 



The woman's eyes are blazing 'nails of fire 

Now red — now yellow — like a demon's glare 
A bitter sneer plays with derisive ire 

Like a savage panther in its lair. 
No word she speaks but steadily advancing 

Slowly toward the horror stricken girl 
The glitter of her powerful eye entrancing 

The senses of the child in awful whirl. 
The gypsy smiled, extended cut her hands 
Laid them in the woman's vise like clasp 
Around her closed the vulture's tight'ning bands 

She sighed a glad cry — gave a little gasp— 
Upon her heaving bosom fell her head 

With its tumbled mass of midnight hair 
The spark within her, we call Life, had fled 

The beauteous face had lost the look of care 
AVhich captivity had traced with heavy line 

No more tlie glorious eyes will sparkle bright 
The dark'ned beauty of her features line 

No more will laugh and love in bright sunlight 
Still and stiff and rigid she has grown 

The color gone forever from her cheek 
All the joys of life from her have flown 

The hungry ghoul beside Iier found her meek. 
She gently yielded out her life to me 

Another who could not resist my sway 
The croaking hag cried out with hellish glee 
Far many days her life will pave my way. 
With keen desires of life and feverish youth 
With joy and gladness and more brightened 
thought 
With quicker step — and all in all — in truth 

Which makes the secret deed so easily bought. 
She dropped the dead girl's hands and stepped 
aside 
A hidden spring into the wall she press'd 



l\[,\n.\MK r.AFCAlRE. 



Revealing a low rumbling like the tide 

The sound indeed was hideous she confess'd. 
A large stone in one corner is removed 

A hole so black and flowing water there 
Harder she pressed the spring until it grooved 

An unseen socket meant there to prei)are 
A resting prop for so huge a block 

A rushing gust of cold wind there arose 
A peal of thunder made earth shake and rock 

A Uttting requiem for so sad a close— 
Of the gypsy girl in young and tender bloom "^ 

In all her life no one had she e'er harmed 
Innocent she met her death in gloom 

The witcli at her black crime is not alarmed- 
The girl she drags with sudden strengthened 
arm 
Across the stones and in the gaping hole 
Pitches the body— firmly to disarm 

Suspicion as to how escaped the soul. 
Back the spring and rock flew into place 

Turns the witch and bolts the inner door 
Leaving of the devil's act no trace 

All was drowned in the wild storm's roar. 
She locked the outer door and climbed the stair 
Traced her steps back through the narrow 
halls 
Through the creaking door with studied care 

In her silken cushions now she falls. 
And slumbers thro' the calm and sunlit day 

On until the lowering evenrng's glow 
Spreads a darkened cloud on every ray 

Slumbers on till midnight's ebbing flow 
Proclaims the coming of another dawn 

The woman wakes and peering in her glass 
All the hideous age and wrinkles gone 
Around her temples fall a clinging mass 



228 MADAME^LASCAIRE. 



Of luxurious curls warm and young 

Her cheeks are rich with color red 
Her youthful hands now rest among 

The silken sheen beneath her pillow'd head 
Her forehead is as fair as marble white 

The blue veins are transparent thro' the skin 
In her eyes a soft and mellow light 

And plump of form, the hag who was so thin — 
Youth she has — and for youth she would sell 

Her soul unto the darkest unseen powers 
Into the horrors of abysmal hell 

From nought on any world the vvoman covyers 
Ah ! many days I'll now live and enjoy 

Life in all its variegated hues — 
For happiness I ever will employ 

That pertaining to all earthly veins. 
I'll speed away among the grand and gay 

And sip the honey like the drunken bee 
Of pleasures that will fall in my pathway 

The world is one bright flower garden for me. 

Cloaked and veiled at night she leaves the castle 

Skulking — hiding — 'till well out of sight 
A heavy cloak tied with a cord and tassel 

Covers the cowering form that darkened night. 
Now she is stationed in a brilliant City 

Domiciled with richest luxuries rare 
The hag of hell has not one breath of pity 

Upon the lives she took to keep her fair. 
Around her — splendid gayety entwining 

She fascinates the soul's of those she can 
The witch is wise and rapidly consigning 

The joys of love her basest passions fan. 
The grandeur of her city habitation 

Is unsurpassed throughout the noblest land 
The beauty of the scene in fine relation 

With the legends of the fairy's wand. 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 229 



Fine hewn blocks of greystone is her palace 

Arched and towered in wonderful design 

Gushing streams in marble fountains solace 

Troubled thoughts which she can scarce define. 
Flowers and clinging vines of rarest hue 

Shed their cooling, sweet and scented lustre 
Into the warm sunlight— and now 

And delicate light green tendrils cluster 
Around the vines which guard the portals 

Of the palace grand a; id dim 
Clinging like earthly thought to mortals 

Like an anthem— like a hymn. 
The priceless hangings of the dark interior 
Speak age and time, and wealth within their 
fold 
To the highest woven art they're not inferior 

Like fine spun ocean foam and brilliant gold 
Mantels there of light Canara marble 

Lamps of every pattern— every shade 
In golden cages colored song birds warble 

With richest rugs the polished floors are laid. 
In richly wrought low brazen burners 

Burning perfume scents the air 
Mellow incense in nooks and corners 

The wilde&t dreams of luxury there. 
Dwelling thus amidst all this untold splendor 
The woman witch holds forth with cunning 
dare 
Surrounded by those who willingly render 

Servile homage to Madame Lascaire. 
Fair indeed to look upon to-night 
Is the woman of so dark a past 
Radiant with gems whose precious light 
Myriads of gleaming scintillations cast. 
Clad in clinging white of softest gauze 
Diamonds deck her arms and breast and brow 



230 MADAME LASCAIRE. 



At beauty of her outlines one would pause 

Knowing that the gods love to endow 
With beauty rare those whom they love 

Not one in all the vast essemble 
But thought of her as a chastened dove 

Shadowed lives, ah ! well may tremble — 
A day will come when acts shall be 

Known and read unseen — unheard 
A day will come when thoughts we'll see 

A voiceless sound — a plain heard word. 

Madame Lascaire to-night is in her glee 

Around her beauty, youth and wit preside 
A banquet grand and music's revelry 

Rolls out as to the stateiy^dance they glide. 
Youth and beauty — love — then bliss 

Ah ! to have that day forever — 
Tis the one bright ray of happiness 

To come again — no — never — never — 
Madame's mood seems sad to-night 

Surely there's no apparent reason 
Yet her heai'tstrings clutching tight 

Tugging at some hidden treason 
A well knit youth with flashing eye 

Dark curling hair and tall and sad 
Has reached her soul and made her sigh. 

His pale face turns her brain half mad 
He has left her side one moment 

To have a word with other guests 
When he's gone she is not content 

She loves him is tha thought which rests 
In her heart and brain and mind 

Searing her like a burning fire 
And for love I've never pined 

But this uncontrollable desire. 
For love is almost new to me 

Perhaps 'twill pass me lightly by 



MADAME LASCAIKE. 231 



The gypsy's love is like an angry sea. 

She quickly stifles a rising cry 
Coming toward her — knightlike laden 

Leading by the trembling hand 
A flaxen haired and blue eyed maiden 

Orlof the lover — takes command. 
Proud indeed to lead Natalie 

The fairest girl for miles around 
About her side the nobles dally 

But eyes cast shyly to the ground. 
Natalie passes wealth and riches by 

With quiet air pursues her humble way 
Gentle as the summer's zephyr sigh 

Like a lily in its gracious sway. 
Her face is like a delicate ocean shell 

So exquisite in shade of pink and white 
On closer look her deepest blue eyes tell 

To mingle wiih the angels she's the right. 
Upon her lips a playful winning smile 

Suddenly dei)arts as now her grace 
Bends towards her with no visible guile 

An angel and a devil face to face. 
The woman reads her doom in Orlof's eyes 

As bending close beside the queenly girl 
She hears his pleading rapturous lover's sighs 

The torments of the dam'ed in vicious whirl 
Surges thro' her brain with jealous hate 

He loves her— and his heart is hers I know 
The castle, Ah ! the castle is her fate 

And then — the river rushing black below 
His passionate Icve for Natalie stamps his face 

With illumination, liappiness and joy 
His ardent hopes and youthful heart will race 

Against all odds for gold without alloy 
The woman — witch — her heart on Are with 
rage 



232 MADAME LASCAIRE. 



Hellish hate and jealous envy deep 

Manevolently smiles — ah ! — who can gauge 
The treachery of which we have a peep. 

The pale faced girl I hate ! I'll have her life 
His love I swear shall be mine — all mine 

Rather than live and know she was his wife 
The greatest bliss of life I would resign. 

I cannot understand this fierce wild love 
Which shatters the joys of life which I have 
known 
I've never sighed to be the mating dove 
The gypsy's love and hate has now made moan- 

I cannot bear this choking stifling air 
The hax3py lovers pass her calmly by 

The room grows dark to Madame Lascaire 
Altho' her burning, tearless eyes are dry 
A jeweled mirror back reflects her face 
Suddenly grown pale and wan and thin 
Leaving of her beauty scarce a trace 
She flies to concealed rooms — and once within 

Their secret walls her undoing beholds 
Standing there before her polished glass 
Age claims her in its unrelenting folds 
She writhes and screams a false and broken mass 

The curling ringlets of her hair has gone 
And in their j)lace are shocks of whitened hair 

She tears them out — as fiercely wild and long 
Her shrieks and wailing cries now pierce the air. 
The firm white hand so perfect and so slender 
Is purpled nailed and like a withered claw 

No one in all the world would nov»' defend 
her 
Her hideous face no sympathy could draw. 
She sees her face take on the look of death 
She tears the cheeks that lately were so red 
Oh, fading beauty ! and fast fleeting breath 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 



So stands the witch with sunken templed head. 

From her brow she tears the gleaming jewel 
Tears in shreds the silken gauzy dress 

Ah I that nature thus should be so cruel 
She suffers deeply now we must confess. 

Much like a skeleton she stands 
Bones and parciiment like sin 

Life exacts its huge demands 
Against the strength of her dark skin — 

O, hope of youth lost for a time 
The witch cries forth with a bitter wail 

The hope of love with soothing rhyme 
Has come to me without avail. 

Oh, woeful sight this hideous face 
Her claw like hands clutch empty air 

On the floor amidst her splendid lace 
Crouched the hag who was so fair. 

For hours she lay there deeply moaning 
Writhing torments tore her heart. 

Breathing hard and faintly groaning 
Loathe was she with youth to part. 

Across the floor on hands and knees 
She drags herself with feeble power 

Will her v.ild wailings never cease? 
Now the witch is seen to cower 

And clutching at a darkened robe 
Winds its many numerous folds 

About her now none could probe 
The secret she alone condoles. 

She leaves a letter to Natalie 
Come at once to Madame Lascaire 

To the castle near the valley 
I will meet you fair one there. 

With head and fare deep in her mantle wrapped 
She crawls and crouches through the brilliant 
halls 

Like a snarling panther whose been trapped. 



234 MADAME LASCAIRE. 



The lights and strains of music on her palls. 

Not daring or,ce to raise her loathsome eyes 
Bent and crouched she fled into the night 

The guests dispersing made many wond'ring 
cries 
Why Madame Lascaire should take to flight. 

On to the castle speeds the midnight hag 
Muttering curses through her withered lips 
Cursing the reigning powers who thus would 
drag 
Away from her the luscious honey sips. 

1'^i<^ gypsy's life was short I thought not so 
Of late I'm falling quickly from my throne 

I'll not give up the struggle, — no— no — 
I'll conquer this without a threat or groan 
Henceforth 1 will take much more precaution 
I'll double the lives I've taken as oi yore 

Her hands clutched in convulsive contortion 
My soul cries out to live, Ah ! more and more. 
She neared the dense black forest just at break 
of day 
Met a youthful lad going out to toil 
Stopped and asked of him the way 
Her blackhearted purpose thus to foil. 

A witch lives in the castle said the lad 
All the humble villagers believe 

They say of course a woman who is mad 
And from the devil's strength to live receive. 

She has lived there many, many years they say 
Alone and any one who ventures there 
Never comes out alive again — I pray 
You go not near the cursed castle's glare. 

The children in the village— when night falls 
Never tread the clearing near the wood 

The mothers in the early evening calls 
Tlie children in — the woman there's not good. 
The child looked up when this speech said 
And met the woman's gleaming eye 
Back from her head her mantle laid. 



MADAM E LAtiC AIKE . 



The lad his eyes turned to tlie sky, 

The blood in his young veins it froze 
With terror deep and avvi'ul fright 

A piercing scream from him arose 
And not a living soul in sight 

To save him from the devil fiend 
With gasping fright the child grew cold 

The reptile's eyes which the night had screened 
Turns o.i the lad her powers bold 

And wrests from him his budding youth 
And gloating in the mornings ray 

On to the castle — and forsooth 
The child lies dead by the dense roadway. 

In the gloomy castle now again 
Cronches the woman down in mute despair 

A face is haunting her with bitter pain 
A girl with deep blue eyes and golden hair 

I must bring her here by false devise 
AVord I've sent her that I am ill 

Madame Lascaire — will kill her in a thrice 
And with her life my waning life force fill. 

Then speedily I'll wend me to my palace 
There will shine — Ah ! — young and fair again 

I see me now upon the moonlit terrace 
The queen to knightly Orlof will I reign. 

And when I've drank my draught of her young 
life 
I'll pluck her eyes out, I hate her so. 

No life in all my long dark years of strife 
Has battled me with this dread so low. 

While I hate her yet I fear her 
Something in her smites my heart 

And forebodings dark engender 
Fears of which I fain would part. 

This love for Orloi" my heart is eating 
Through and through with awful pain 

Ah ! the joys of life are fleeting 



236 MADAME LASCAIEE. 



Love is singing its sad refrain 

In the heart of the hag of midnight 

Scorching her with firey brand 

With the daylight's fading twilight 

Sinks the v/ilch in slumber land. 

Natalie receives the message 

At the palace of Madame Lascaire 
Of suspicion not a vestige 

Of the fatal meaning there. 
On the following sunlit morn 

The hour the dew dries on the grass 
To see the sick Who are forlorn 

Natalie the angel is seen to pass 
Along the roadway toward the wood 

In a pale blue dress the girl is clad 
The wild birds sing with welcome joy — should 

The butterflys alone be glad? 
As flitting around the sweet Natalie 

She trills and swings in childlike glee 
Surely this must be the valley 

Soon the castle I will see. 
Her flaxen hair hangs in heavy braids 

Tied with little knots of blue 
Of the City's wondrous maids 

Natalie is the fairest and good and true. 
Her arms and shoulders with softest white 

Finest veiling is amply puffed 
A golden cord laced her corsage tight 

Around her throat some silk is ruffed. 
The sweat faced maiden treads along 

The edge of the forest dark 
The sunbeams fall on her like song 

High o'er head now sings the lark. 
Into the tangled woods she disappears 



MADAME LASCAIRE. 237 



Before her eyes the dark old castle rears 

Its hidden outlines now are standing clear. 
I'll ask you for the sick Madame Lascaire 

She told the hag who peeped out at the door 
This way she cried with hidden vicions glare 

She led the girl across the dark'ned floor 
And into the room where first we saw the witch 

She turned the key within the rusty lock 
Into the room with tracing rare and rich 

Into the room where unseen devils flock. 
I'm Madame Lascaire the horrid creature cried 

Now turning round full faced upon the girl 
The saying I was sick — I readily lied 

Her thin lips now so sneeringly curl 
I brjught you here to die — yes die — 

She screamed and laughed with fiendish glee 
None will ever hear your dying cry 

And none will ever know but me. 
Nay — cover up your eyes with your white hands 

Nay shudder — there with fright and moan and 
sway 
Your life must yield to my commands 

You have lived on earth your one last day. 
Hundreds of years I've lived on such as you 

And now you feed me for a time 
Orlof will find a mistress new 

As over your dead body thus 1 climb 
And reach the height of ail earthly ambition 

By the power which you now feel. 
And no amount of wealth or no condition 

Will deviate my purpose which is real. 
Have mercy, Oh ! have mercy, sobbed Natalie, 

And let me to my Orlof sped away 
Her sinking voice she quickly tries to rally 

On my knees I'm pleading that I may. 
My Orlof will miss me — gentle Orlof 

Whom I love with all my woman's heart 
He would die tor me — Ah ! do not scoff 

His heart would break if we should ever part. 



238 MADAME LASCAIRE. 



Oh, do not look at me with such expression 
Your eyes are like the snakes who fascinate 

Natalie shivers at this bold digression 

Tier sinking heart cries oat this is her fate. 

Orlof seeks Natalie in the meantime 

Listening to the story which he hears 
Loosing all his mirth and song and rhyme 
In his heart there arises sick'ning fears, 
He hears Natalie strayed away that morning 

Out toward where the forest lies so dense 
Now evenings glow and hidden vesper bells ring 

A horror deep has rooted now his sense. 
Into the black forest Orlof speeds 

Some unknown power seem to draw him on 
The night grows dark, a night for hidden deeds 

A deathly dread is falling now upon 
His heart, can it be that Natalie dear 

Has wandered to this lonesome place. 
A flickering light now shines out clear 

And against the window he pressed his face. 
Oh God ! to him what a sight revealed 

His Natalie gasping and deathly white 
His blood turned hot and then congealed 

He sees Lascaire — by the dim candle's light 
O'er the form of Natalie bonding- 
She whose deep blue eyes are set 
Screams the witch with slirieks unending 

And her gleaming eyes like jet. 
Give thy life — why do you foil me? 
Give thy life — all hell commands 
Orlof — sighs the sv^^eet Natalie 

I will meet you in fairer lands. 
Powers of darkness aid me now 

I lack strength to wrest her life 
Devils — fiends to hell I bow 

Help me in this first met strffe. 
Bending o'er Natalie nearer 




Oh ! ye powers of darkness save me 

The prison house— the worms— the slime 

Oh ! from death I now must flee— 

Tis falsely said— death is sublime. 



MADAME LASCAIUIO. 239 



Sways the witch with reddish eyes 

"Orlof thou to me art dearer" 
Is her almost lifeless cries. 

Like a whirlwind through the window 
Springs Orlof — majestic — p^rand — 

With a groan now wailing low 
Lascaire, the witch, will taU'e the stand. 

And glaring at the intruder new 
Orlof staggers from such eyes 

Thou dupe and fool what would you do? 
You walk to death — I would advise 

Back! hellish witch— incarnate fiend 
She meets his look with weakened sight 

A dangerous light in his dark eyes gleamed 
The struggle is one of awful might. 

Back tho' horror foul and black 
In to the depths of hell repair 

Your crimes shall be the tortuous rack 
Devils and ghouls await you tiiere. 

She crouches dow^n and v»'hispers hoarse 
My power is gone — all — ail — is lost 

She crawls aside with arising force 
Her life I'll have at any cost. 

Staggering back with visible weakness 
Shrieks and around the room she reels 

In her face no sign of meekness 
Fear of death is what she feels. 

Oh, ye powers of darkness save me 
The prison house— the worms— the slime 

Oh, from death I now must flee 
'Tis falsely said death is sublime. 

Vague and indefinite thoughts impress 
Her weakening mind with horror deep 

Now surging bitter memories repress 
The strength to live she cannot keep. 

Back from her thou tortured vampire 



240 MADAME LASCAIEE. 



Orlof hurls the hag away 

I would see you thus expire 
Now before the break of * day 

Now she writhes and shudders — now cowers 
Hellish sounds she shrieks aloud 

Death I feel — Oh, midnight powers 
All is passing in a cloud. 

Her glittering eyes roll more and more 
As if before them visions float 

A writhing mass now upon the floor 
Her claw like hands clinch her bony throat. 

With rattling death throes she is convulsed 
The prison house — the slimy worms — 
In broken wails — no more repulsed 
Death will make with her no terms. 

Shrunken — drawn — now in awful aspect 
Mercy — mercy — in gasping cries 

Her black soul earth and heaven reject 
Thus Lascaire th.e witch now dies. 

Orlof quickly grasped the faint Natalie 
Through the doors into the cool night air 
And safely in her sister's arms Euialie 
The pale faced girl receives abundant care. 

The wedding bells pealed forth in early spring 
And Orlof and the fair Natalie wed 

As passed the happy years the joyous ring 
Of bright eyed children— yet tears are shed. 
When Orlof tells the little ones the story 
About the^dark old castle in the wood 

And daily praises God in all his glory 
For power to live — and live his life out good. 

There is no compensation on this earth 
For all the joy and sorrow which we feel 

Only when we've passed the second birth 
Are we in the land where joy is real. 

August 15, 1895. 



PRAYER TO KNOWLEDGE. 241 



PRAYER TO KNOWLEDGE. 



Thou God to which I humbly bow a knee 
And kneel devoted at thy glorious shrine 

With meekness and intense fidelity 
I worship at thy altar divine 

Thou God to which I reverently kneel 
Thou God to which I fervently pray 

Lead me through the darkness which I feel 
Is but the breaking of a sunlit day. 

Thou God which I accept as absolute 
Thou watchword of the day and dark'ned night 

Thou God whose laws cannot refute 
That thou art all — and Infinite. 

August 14, 1895. 



242 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 



THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 



Twelve maidens in Greece, hovered o'er burning incense 
To call from the realms of the darkest midnight 

Nourhalia the song bird — of fame — so intense 

Was their wish that they heeded not the time's flight. 

They had heard of the soul as a deep hidden story 
Forbidden to them — they should ever explore — 

Curious enough— woman like — to their glory 

They yearned for a glimpse of that dark foreign shore 

As a childish song of dense mythical creation 

Was the eastern Nourhalia, whose grandeur and fame 

Held to these Grecian maids a deep relation 

As they sang in that past age the praise of her name. 

Nourhalia they knew had rare beauty and wealth 
Fame and true love had been laid at her shrine 

Jewels and gold had been brought without stealth 
To the eastern Nourhalia — the song bird divine. 

This niglit in the temple to famed Isis reared 

Twelve Greek maids of Athens have fearlessly crept 

Unknown to the populace is now what they feared 

Their night vigil in secret must faithfully be kept. 

Crouched round the dark embers of dense perfume burning 
Green myrtle and odors of sweet burning thyme 

The secret of life are they inwardly learning 

They learn life and death is a most perfect rhyme. 



THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 243 



Oh I como sweet Nourhalia if such be thy power 
And tell us of wisdom from tliy happy home 

We pray thee upon us thy deep knowledge shower 
And pity our misery as we restlessly roam 

Thro' this vast world of Greece so dear to our heart 
For all that we love are centralized here 

Tell us of thy life that we may impart 

Knowledge to those which we deem very dear. 

A spot in the center takes on a white light 

An illuminated shadow now quickly appears 

An angelic presence of w^ondrous sight 

With a wave of her hand she quiets their fears. 

A creature so saint like now stands in their view 
A halo of light shines around her forehead 

A vision of beauty and youth now grew 

Before the Greek maids stand a soul from the dead. 

And art thou Nourhalia cried one maid more bold 

Than the rest of her sisters who clung round her side 

I am Nourhalia out from the great fold 

Your wish for me brings me from the great tide. 

Of souls who pass on from this vast worldly plain 

On to the realms of pure calm delight 
Tell us thy story cried the maiden again 

Said the angel— I'll tell you my story to-night. 

I was a strange mixture of sadness and mirth 

As a child: and depression and cheer 
Surely the fates that attended my birth 

Have ruled my life perfectly clear. 

In earliest years I knew that within me 
A deep hidden power there silently lay 

Not knowing its meaning it saddened distressingly 
All the bright side of the sunniest day. 



244 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 



Nature I loved from my earliest remembrance 
I worshipped the glorious sunrise in the East 

When eventide rested its calm slumbering glance 
I worshipped the sunset, and that not the least. 

For when the night came and the bright moon arising 
And riding majestically on through cloudland 

As each moment passes, new visions devising — 

I silently worshipped, the scenes were so grand. 

And a night of bright starlight would set my heart beating 
With love for the heaven's and ecstacy sweet 

Would prevail my v,'hole being as if wildly entreating 
Those far away stars would my lone spirit greet. 

And the woods and the lakes, the birds and the flowers 
I adored with a childlike yet rapturous glee 

The world was a wonder as swift sped the hours 
And everything in it meant so much to me. 

Ah ! sad is the day when earth with its treasure 

Is nothing to us but a page of past fame 
Ah ! sad is the day when the world yields no pleasure 

When the world means to us but a cold empty name. 

A wild storm at night I loved with devotion 

Alone in the dark I've had many a stroll 
Yet never alone was my oft fancied notion 

I loved the wild storm and the dull thunder's roll. 

And the wildest storm winds that ere blew o'er the surface 
Of earth from the midnight's Plutonion shore 

Unheard brought to me a sweet greeting of grace 
The wilder the night storm I loved it the more. 

At twilight when vesper bells slowly were ringing 

And pealing soft melody out on the air 
That hour when all earth and the angels were singing 

The hour when the thought of God rests everywhere. 



THE STORY OF NOUIUIALIA. LM5 



Oh, blest liour of yoiitli when the heart was all purity 
Restinj]j serene from the world tind its wiles, 

Oh, blessed hour of youth when the heart had security 
Away from the world with its sins and its smiles. 

Oh, lost hours of youth when music's grand flow 
"Was harmony divine ; Ah, content was our lot 

Before the deep wisdom of what we iDUst know 

Comes: that men and w^omen appear, — what there not. 

Thus life was a joy until contact with people 

They will warp one unless you have care in extreme 

As the richer the church is tlie higher the steeple — 
Adoration of self is their excellent theme. 

The nature of people brought knowledge of treachery 
Knowledge of hypocrisy, crime and deceit. 

In the realms of dear Nature we never find leachery 
Oh, why does not man to her altar retreat? 

How sad 'tis to know that one would betray you 

For a small bit of gold which comes out of the ground. 

Sad 'tis to know that one would not befriend you 

They want flesh and blood, and a pound for a pound. 

Then came a deep pain in my heart sighed Nourhalia 
Love touched my young soul with his magical rod 

A pale youth with dark eyes without pomp or regalia 
I worshipped my idol — yes, next to my God. 

Now shattered all idols— like wind bubbles broken 

The prismatic colors forever all gone 
Remembrance is left to me now the one token 

Of a dream that was soothing and sweet as a song. 

Yet I knew that this love wildly growing within me 
Must never be centered upon mortals here 

The still voice within said to me so silently. 
Relying on me thou hast nothing to fear. 



246 THE STOEY OF NOURHALIA. 

This deep power within me grew firmer and stronger 
As glided the years taking with them youth's hours 

Until calmly relying and doubting no longer 

The truthful communion with high unseen i)Owers. 

Men loved me, I charmed them, they worshipped, adored me 
I knew how to reach their soul's secret desire 

Without a known effort their thoughts 1 read clearly 
The secret I held made their hearts burn like fire. 

Man's a perfect reflection of presiding circumstance 
His vacillating nature, this reflection rules, 

Implicitly truth and man are at variance, 

They represent beasts and the women are fools. 

Aye — fools indeed are the women in love affairs 

Fools and silly things are they in hate 
Fools of the w^orld sink they under its heavy cares 

A dupe and a fool is most women's fate. 

The love of man ne'er has been won by devotion 

Expressed idolization, or solicitous care 
The righteousness of it, the one palling lotion 

The woman who fools them— they cling to the snare. 

Man never loves woman — man loves only man 
Which all the past ages stand out and attest 

There's a mutual antipathy between them the ban 

The search for true love is a drear, fruitless quest. 

To follow a fair mirage is man's keenest enjoyment 
No matter hov/ straggling or rough Is the way 

And grasping to gain it is blissful employment 
The bruises and groans make a rosy pathway 

And men when in love are a phase of their planet 
'Tis a directed signal from that far away shore 

That right royal lover, Anthony, at sunset 

Enjoyed Cleopatra but loved Anthony more. 



THE STORY OF NOURHALTA. 247 



He died in her arms because he loved — Anthony — 

'Twas bliss to his soul to look in her eyes 
Thou art an example, Oh, Anthony — Anthony — 

Which ever indeed should make people wise. 

Thus ! thus ! said Nourhalia when men came before me 
They were but as shadows before my clear glass 

And O, what grim specters dwelt in some with glee 

I could read all their lives and their thoughts as they pass. 

Some men are made up of gorilla like essence 

So beastly and fierce — that I shudder and sigh 

And some — you'd be poisoned by their very presence 
So loathsome and vile is the gleam of their eye 

These men are inhabited with vermin and reptiles 
With brutes of low order they are on a line 

Their touch is polluting and ever defiles 
A horror before me they clearly define. 

And some men are fine as a thread of spun gold 

They mix not repellently with much dross of earth 

Wisdom and manliness stamps on them a mould 
And these men are gods — gods from their birth. 

This secret within me these deep truths descerned 
I saw man as he was and not what he appeared 

From a beautiful exterior I have often times turned 
At the hideous vision of the soul which there leered. 

Ah ! 'twas an experience which had in it no pleasure 
To know false humanity has in it no cheer 

Humanity yields but the least which we treasure 
'Tis only of man we need have any fear. 

He crushes and grinds, both himself and his brothers 
By his cruelty, tyranny — his intense selfishness 

By dealing continually injustice to others 

Is the path which he looses his own happiness. 



248 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 



Humanity is blind through its own meagre pride — 

Blind to the beauties of each passing age 
In harmony's law they must needs abide 

When the grand book of life is a wide open page. 

So away from the people I soon found true restfulness 
Away from their cringing and plain seen deceit 

Altho' many a day I yearned for forgetfulness 
I soon reached a joy in my own small retreat. 

I had for companions true souls yet not mortals 

Oh, blest be the power which had brought them to me 

The doors of a world had now opened the portals 
O, joy to my heart ! I could enter and see. 

The truth I had searched for — and searching found — never 
O, joy to my heart! I now found truth real 

I'll live in this w^orld aye forever — and ever 
So deep is the tremendous joy that I feel. 

Men cannot appear in this world what they are not 

'Tis visibly written alone what they are 
Which proved to my soul and I had not forgot 

The deep power within me I never should mar. 

The delights of this world no pen can define 

The beauteous scenes upon which my eyes rest 

Now millions of worlds to my vision resigns 

Some secrets they've kept from me years, which was best 

And the women in this world hold their true position 
A fool cannot ape to be great when the're small 

"Where truth is the plan it needs no definition 
It will classify rightly and harmonize all. 

Hours spent in this world was to me more than fame 
So exquisitely sweet was the joy I found there 

And when this v»orld fanned and bowed to my name 
It reached not my heart with its lone silent care. 



THE STORY OF NOUUHALIA. 249 



I lived in my flower bedecked bower of enchantment 
Loving and loved through many long years 

And the friends of my solitude help'd my advancement 
Pass'd this vale of sorrow, which has so many tears. 

I could see and could hear from one world to the next 

Could soar through much distance with very great ease 

Harmony alone was my watchword and text 

'Tis the amulet 'gainst which opposition will cease. 

I would willingly stay in this realm for all time 
Yet back on this earth must I linger awhile 

Contented and happy for thro' my songs rhyme . 
T brought peace to some and to others a smile. 

Thus all men and women and all things of earth 
With the years pass forever — forever away 

To yearn for these is to cling to lost mirth 

It is striving to keep what is sure to decay. 

Said Nourhalia, when death came it found me quite willin^^ 
I had lived in the sphere past mortals so long 

I laid dowai the burden called life — my heart filling 
With rapturous joy for this bright land of song. 

And wealth in this land is the joy of the heart 
And fame in this land is the joy of the soul 

Of love in this land we are a great part 

As millions of drops makes the vast ocean's roll. 

Said Nourhalia — the story I tell you is true 

Altho' the clime that is yours — bore not me 

In all ages of time the changes are few 
The now is forever expressed eternity. 

I go said Nourhalia— back — back — ;o my sunshine 
Stay — stay— cried the maids with anguishing cry 

One word said Nourhalia — while here live divine 

And you walk in tlu^ pathway thai leads to the sky. 



250 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 

And the touch of true love is a breath of high heaven 
And truth is the gem which opens the door 

As the notes of all music on earth number seven 
Completeness of Peace is where we may soar. 

And here on this earth that rest may be gained 
By i:)ursuing the course I have laid out for you 

Said Nourhalia all earthly wealth that is famed 
Is grasped by the soul when alone it is true. 

With the smile of an angel and a wave of her hand 

Vanished Nourhalia, out in to the night 
She's gone — said the maidens — unto her sunland 

And the spot where she stood was a roseate light. 

Twelve maidens crept out from rhe temple unseen 

By any keen eye for all the town slept 
The knowledge they'd learned — solemnly between 

Each other — they swore — forever be kept. 

And as the grand Grecian race passes away 

One of these wisdom steep'd maidens appear 

In their turn at each age — read the oracles by day 

And make to their followers, — their meaning most clear. 

As clad in their white robes — sandal and gown 
In the temple a priestess of knowledge divine 

Serve they with faithfulness, which makes them renown 
To Vesta the Virgin — their lives they consign. 

And when the last echo of noble Greece falls 
The Cumean Sybil — tells her prophecys true 

Ringing aloof through its temples and halls 
Heeded alone by those perfect and few. 

Ah, land of bright sunlight, whose shores the blue Aegean 
Guard — yes — so lovingly and fondly caress 

Thy people descended from that God gifted Magician 
Whatever thy frailities — we love thee none less. 



THE STORY OF NOUUHALIA. 251 



Ah ! land of bright sunlight — of sweet song and rhyme 
Thou gods and goddesses in life and in art 

Thy ruined cities alone speak thy time 

In the vast passing ages thou art only a i)art. 

Change and decay is the law of all things 

Upon this terrestrial globe, which we tread 

And above all is divine music which sings 

As we chant the praise of this nation now dead. 

HELEN F. TROY, 

September 9, 1895. 

(copyrighted). 




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